§ 33. Mr. HOGGEasked the amount of money now entrusted to the Army 926 Trustees from central, command, regimental, or charitable funds; whether it is proposed to use those funds for the purposes of establishing a Service League; whether the men from whom such funds have been, and are being, accumulated have been consulted in any way as to the use to which such money is to be put; and whether the Government approve of the Army Council controlling the use of such money without any reference to the House of Commons?
Captain GUESTThe amount at present in the hands of the Army Trustee is approximately £6,500 held on various conditions of trust and other funds are in process of being transferred. With the full approval of the Army generally as represented by the Central Funds Representative Committee, which consists of all ranks, and on the advice of a special conference constituted of serving and ex-service officers, men and women of the Navy, the Army and the Air Force, a League is in process of formation for the purpose of controlling and co-ordinating the use and distribution of Service funds for the benefit of those for whom they are held and their dependants. The Army Council have in the past always controlled such funds, without reference to this House.
§ Mr. HOGGEWill the hon. Gentleman say the amount of money that is about to be transferred? Is it a fact that it is several millions, and that it is proposed to devote it to this purpose without reference to the House?
§ Mr. HOGGEIn view of the question which I have put down, may I ask the amount that is to be transferred?
Captain GUESTIf the hon. Member will put down a question, I will ascertain what are the other funds which are in process of being transferred.