HC Deb 16 December 1919 vol 123 cc227-9
48. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is now in a position to make a definite statement to the House as to whether the National Relief Fund is available in cases of civilian distress owing to discharges from the Royal dockyards; and whether the fund is also available in cases of civilian distress arising out of the very small naval and military pensions granted to widows in pre-war times, these pensions being inadequate to meet the rise in the price of living and the needs of growing families?

45. Captain LOSEBY

asked the Prime Minister if he has received a communication from the Bradford Executive Committee of the Lord Mayor's Relief Fund, urging that a scheme should immediately be prepared and put into operation for disbursement of the balance of the National Relief Fund for relief of distress amongst discharged Service men; and if he is prepared to make any recommendation in regard thereto?

50. Mr. ADAMSON

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is now in a position to state what arrangements have been made with the Executive of the National Relief Fund regarding the disbursement of moneys for the relief of distress due to unemployment?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The answer to the first part of the hon. Member for Bradford's question is in the affirmative. I understand that the Executive Committee of the National Relief Fund are still considering the question of making their surplus funds available for the relief of distress due to unemployment arising out of the War. It is expected that a decision will be reached without delay.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Will the right hon. Gentleman kindly answer the last part of my question which relates to pre-war widows of naval and military men, and more especially to naval pensioners?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I do not think it would be right to give relief from that fund in those cases.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the reason why the question is asked is because these widows are suffering, like other people, from the high cost of living, and are they not as much entitled to relief as unemployed persons so far as this Fund goes, because it does arise out of the War?

Mr. BONAR LAW

No, I think not. My hon. Friend is simply pressing claims he has very much at heart, but I do not think they arise here.

Mr. W. THORNE

Is the right hon. Gentleman in a position to let us know whether this surplus money will be distributed before Christmas?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I am sorry that a definite policy has not yet been reached. There have been many meetings of the Committee, and I hope it will be settled soon, but I hardly hope that it will be before Christmas.

Captain REDMOND

Has the Government a definite policy about anything?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Yes, Sir.