§ 66. Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the growing feeling that the funds still standing to the credit of the National Relief Fund should be used to relieve cases of distress arising in connection with the war, he will make representations that the administration of the fund should be placed under the charge of a Minister who would be responsible to Parliament for its administration?
§ THE PRIME MINISTERThe hon. Member will be aware from the replies to previous questions that the use of the National Relief Fund for the relief of exceptional distress due to unemployment is now being considered by the Committee of the fund. An announcement on the subject may be expected shortly; but I may say that the suggestion of Parliamentary control over funds collected by voluntary effort is not one which I feel able to adopt.
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDWill the right hon. Gentleman take into account the fact that these funds were. contributed by voluntary effort, and did not the assurance that it was to be a national fund mean that it would be properly administered by the Government?
§ Mr. KILEYAre we to understand that the distribution of the fund will in future be limited to those people who are out of employment?
§ THE PRIME MINISTERNo; it is distress which is due to the War. There are so many funds of the character described by the hon. Baronet (Sir A. Steel-Maitland) that I am afraid if a rule were made in one case it would have to be extended.