§ 22. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will say how much, if any, of the National Relief Fund has been expended in connection with the relief of soldiers; and whether it is intended to repay the sum so expended to the National Relief Fund, and, if so, when?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe sum to be repaid is the subject of arbitration.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that this money was contributed for civil purposes? Can he say on what authority the money is allocated to military purposes?
§ Mr. FORSTERI am not aware that it has been allocated to military purposes. I must not be taken as admitting that in the answer I have just given.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEFor what purpose was the money borrowed?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe money was advanced by the executive of the National Relief Fund to provide for the families of soldiers and sailors in times of distress. That is not a military purpose.
§ Mr. FORSTERMy hon. Friend will see that is a matter for arrangement
§ Mr. ANDERSONIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the War Office has been placing every possible obstacle in the way of repaying the money at all?
§ Mr. FORSTERI am not aware of that at all, but those who are responsible in the War Office cannot admit every claim that may be made upon them unless the claim is substantiated.