§ 61. Mr. RAPERasked to what purpose it is intended to apply the balance of the National Relief Fund for the relief of distress arising through the War; and whether any steps can be taken towards applying such balance to the relief of existing distress in general?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am informed that the Committee of the National Relief Fund issued a circular last week to the 1010 councils of all boroughs and the larger rural districts intimating that the fund is available for the relief of distress directly due to the War, and suggesting the appointment of a. special Committee, if sufficient distress exists in the district, for the purpose of investigating such cases and administering Grants. In view, however, of the terms upon which subscriptions to the fund were invited, the Committee do not feel that they can apply it to the relief of distress which is not due to the War.