§ 47. Sir WILLIAM BYLESasked the Prime Minister whether he will indicate which Members of the Government are members of the executive committee of the Prince of Wales' Relief Fund; and whether, having regard to the magnitude of the fund and to its national objects, he will consider whether the Government will now, by legislation or otherwise, undertake responsibility for the administration of such charitable sums?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland and the Secretary for Scotland are now the only Members of the Government who are members of the executive committee of the National Relief Fund. I think there are objections to the Government undertaking the responsibility for the administration of a charitable fund consisting solely of voluntary subscriptions.
§ Sir W. BYLESConsidering the enormous magnitude of the amount does not the Prime Minister think it desirable that there should be some official control of the distribution of many millions of money?
§ Mr. J. SAMUELIs it not a fact that a scheme is suggested for taking charge of this scheme?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am not aware of it.
§ Mr. KINGIs it not the fact that this fund will in some measure come under the control or rule of the Charity Commissioners?