HC Deb 16 December 1919 vol 123 cc229-30
53. Captain ORMSBY-GORE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Treasury have made a Grant of —200,000 to the Young Men's Christian Association; whether this Grant. is a loan and, if so, when it is to be repaid and what is the rate of interest; and whether similar Grants. or loans have been or will be made to the Young Women's Christian Association, the Salvation Army, and the Church Army, which did similar good work during the War?

Mr. BALDWIN

This question should have been addressed to the War Office. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War has asked me to give his answer, which is as follows: Advances have been made by the War Office, with the approval of the Treasury, to the Young Men's Christian Association in respect of the altogether exceptional calls upon their resources occasioned by their war work at home and in theatres of war. These sums are repayable with interest at 5 per cent. The date of repayment must depend upon a date, not yet arrived, at which these exceptional activities cease I am not aware of any occasion for similar loans to the other bodies mentioned in the question.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Has the balance-sheet of this association been received by the Treasury?

Mr. BALDWIN

When the War Office preferred a request they submitted all the data we required, and all the figures have been sent.

Sir J. D. REES

Will these Grants be recovered? I suppose there is no question of foregoing the Grants?

Mr. BALDWIN

It is a loan. I have every reason to hope that it will be repaid in time.