HC Deb 13 May 1919 vol 115 cc1425-6
66. Sir F. HALL

asked the Minister of Pensions what is the amount that has been collected on behalf of the King's Fund, including His Majesty's donation of £78,000; how much has been distributed; and what has been the total expenses incurred in connection with the fund?

Sir J. CRAIG

The amount collected for the King's Fund is £1,041,374 13s. 6d. Other voluntary funds amount to £88,122 18s. 8d. The total amount distributed from these funds is £568,490 7s. 6d. The expenses incurred, including cost of propaganda, amount approximately to£25,000.

Sir F. HALL

Is this fund not administered both by the Ministry of Pensions and by the Civil Liabilities Department, and in these circumstances cannot one Department administer it and thereby save a large proportion of the expense otherwise incurred?

Sir J. CRAIG

No, Sir. The King's Fund is administered by a Committee of Trustees. The Ministry has very little to do with it.

Mr. HOGGE

Is the King's Fund now available at all for discharged and disabled men, or only for widows and dependants?

Sir J. CRAIG

Widows and dependants. The other was taken over by the Special Grants Department.

Mr. ROWLANDS

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether it is a fact that the Civil Liabilities Committee administer any of the King's Fund?

Sir J. CRAIG

No; the King's Fund is distributed by the Trustees.