§ 84. Mr. J. DAVISONasked the Lord Privy Seal whether he can now state the result of his inquiry into the present position of the National Relief Fund and the desirability of drawing up, with the assistance of the representatives of the local Committees, some scheme for disbursing the balance of the fund in such a way as to render the greatest possible assistance to persons in distress during the coming winter?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI have done my best to find out the facts in regard to this matter, and I greatly doubt whether any 1135 possible change would add to the usefulness of this fund. I would remind the hon. Member also that the fund was started as a private fund, not under Government control, and I am informed that many contributors gave their assistance on that understanding. The Report of the administration of the fund is presented to Parliament every half-year, the last being Command Paper 356, of 30th June, 1919.
§ Mr. DAVISONIn view of the fact that the Government decided yesterday to abolish the unemployment dole, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that this is disbursed in the interests of those people who will meet with great distress during the coming winter?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThis fund was formed for the express purpose of helping such distress, and I have no doubt whatever that it will be used for that purpose.