NATIONAL RELIEF FUND.

HC Deb 29 November 1916 vol 88 cc339-40

76. Mr. HOGGE

asked whether any decision has yet been arrived at in the arbitration between the War Office and the National Relief Fund with regard to moneys expended by the latter on War Office purposes?

Mr. FORSTER

No, Sir. The arbitrator's award has not yet been received.

Mr. HOGGE

Can the hon Gentleman really now tell us when it is likely to finish?

An HON. MEMBER

When the War is over.

Mr. FORSTER

I wish I could. Obviously the arbitrator is in no way under the control of the War Office.

Mr. PRINGLE

Has the hon. Gentleman any information as to the proceedings before the tribunal?

Mr. FORSTER

I am afraid I have not, beyond the fact that we presented our case as fully as possible. Obviously there is no control over the subsequent proceed- ings. If the arbitrator wishes to call oral evidence he will do so. He has not done so up to the present.

Mr. PRINGLE

Will the hon. Gentleman make inquiries of the arbitrator as to when he is likely to present his report?

Mr. FORSTER

No, Sir; I do not think that is necessary.