§ 46. Colonel LESLIE WILSONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has had brought to his notice the voluntary fund raised by the Minister of Pensions to re-establish invalided sailors and soldiers in civil life; and, if so, whether he will submit a proposal to the House of Commons to the effect that the Treasury should augment this fund to the extent of £1 for every £1 provided by voluntary effort?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThis scheme deserves every encouragement, but I think it is very desirable that it should be continued on a voluntary basis.
§ Colonel WILSONDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that there are national obligations involved in regard to the objects of this scheme, apart from the money being raised voluntarily?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWYes, but there is a large number of elements which come into this apart from the question of money. I have discussed them with my right hon. Friend, and I am sure that at present, at least, it would be better that it should be continued on the present basis.
§ Mr. HOGGEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the discharged and disabled soldiers do not want charity; and will he, in view of the suggestion which is made now, proceed to raise a voluntary fund to pay the interest on the War Loan?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI can only repeat what I have said. I have very carefully 172 considered this, and I am sure there are strong reasons for continuing this special fund on a voluntary basis.