§ 60. Mr. ANDERSONasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the starting of a charity called L'Avenir des Mutilés de la Guerre, whose joint treasurers are Miss J. Dryden, 2, Place Possoy, Paris, and Mrs. Fraser, 60, Waldeck Avenue, Bedford, and which is appealing for subscriptions for the purpose of teaching crippled soldiers some trade or craft; whether the appeal is issued with the knowledge and sanction of the War Office; and whether, in view of the increase in the number of war charities, the danger of waste and duplication, and the ease with which generous people can be exploited, he will endeavour to obtain public control over war charities for the purpose of insisting that the organisations are necessary and well conducted?
§ Mr. TENNANTI quite recognise the importance of avoiding the dangers mentioned in the latter part of my hon. Friend's question, but I know nothing of the particular charity mentioned, which from its title appears intended for the benefit of the wounded of our Allies. I am sure that, speaking generally, we should all be prepared to do anything possible for such an object.
§ Mr. ANDERSONIs it not very desirable that there should be some method of control over the various charities which are springing up, seeing that people having a desire to do good ought to have some guarantee that the society is necessary and in the public interest?
§ Mr. TENNANTAs I say, I quite recognise the desirability of that, but whether the War Office is the right authority, with the great pressure of work already falling upon it, to undertake anything of that co-ordinating kind—the House will realise how difficult it will be.