§ 35. Mr. ANDERSONasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the rapid multiplication of voluntary agencies dealing with various phases of war relief; whether any attempt is made at present to prevent overlapping or the dissipating of effort or to insist that all organisations of this character shall be genuine and above reproach; and whether to this end he will consider the need for a scheme for registration, co-ordination, and public control in connection with these collecting and distributing agencies?
§ The PRESIDENT of the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Long)I am aware that there are a large number of voluntary agencies of this character, and in many cases excellent work is being carried out by them. The policy of the Government Committee for the Prevention and Relief of Distress has been consistently directed to the prevention of overlapping and of the dissipating of effort, and I will 658 see whether any further action can be taken in this direction. I hope that the coming establishment of authorised bodies for dealing with pensions, allowances, disabled soldiers, etc., will do away with the necessity for the separate existence of many of the present organisations. I will consult with my right hon. Friend as to what measures can be adopted for investigating and controlling organisations which appeal for public subscriptions and donations.
§ Mr. HOGGEIs the right hon. Gentleman now in a position to answer my questions with regard to the Prince of Wales' Fund? There is a White Paper submitted to Parliament dealing with that.
§ Mr. LONGThe White Paper in question was not presented by my Department, and whether I am in a position to answer any question is an interrogation so wide that I should hesitate to reply to it.
§ Mr. HOGGEWill the right hon. Gentleman inquire, in view of the fact that a Paper has been presented to Parliament as a Parliamentary Paper, and that before it was presented we were not allowed to make inquiries?