HC Deb 03 July 1919 vol 117 cc1163-5
72. Sir J. D. REES

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Treasury has sanctioned the payment of £1 from the public purse for every £1 raised and spent by charitable organisations in the United Kingdom for the relief of distress in Europe; if so, if he will say within what limits and subject to what restrictions and safeguards such Grants will be made; and whether there is any precedent for such action with or without the express authority of Parliament?

Mr. BALDWIN

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The expenditure to be incurred by the Treasury under the scheme is limited to £200,000, and will be met from the provision of £12,500,000 made for loans and grants for reconstruction and relief in war areas in the Estimate for Loans to Dominions and Allies, etc., for the year 1919–20. My right hon. Friend has sent the hon. Member a copy of the official announcement which appeared in the Press on Monday last, giving full details of the scheme. With regard to the last part of the question, the Grants themselves are covered by the terms of the Parliamentary Estimate, and the condition that for each £l advanced by the State £l should also be contributed from private sources is one which is very frequently attached to Grants of this nature.

Sir A. FELL

My hon. Friend would ask how long is the British taxpayer to be asked to do everything everywhere?

Mr. BALDWIN

I have every sympathy with the hon. Member, and I hope it will not be long.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

What precautions are to be taken against fraud in matters of this kind?

Mr. BALDWIN

The scheme is being administered by a Committee of the Charity Commissioners known as the Official Committee for Relief in Europe, and it will apply to societies duly registered under the War Charities Act, which publish statements of receipts and expenditure.

Lieut.-Colonel A. HERBERT

Is there any precedent before this War, and is the hon. Gentleman aware that the present Prime Minister, when he was Chancellor of the Exchequer, himself made a very fine precedent by giving £5,000 to starving people who had no claim on him?

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