HC Deb 30 October 1919 vol 120 cc877-8
63. Mr. R. McNEILL

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the administration of the Prince of Wales' Fund as a private charity is causing dissatisfaction; and whether, in view of the national character of the fund and of the objects for which it was subscribed, he will consider whether it should be taken over by the Government and administered by a Minister responsible to the House?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative.

Mr. McNEILL

Does my right hon. Friend realise that there is no means of knowing how this enormous fund is administered or whether applications for benefit from it are properly considered or not, and will the Government not reconsider whether it should be taken over by them and treated as a real national institution?

Mr. BILLING

Is not the name of the Prince of Wales being used to collect money; and, having regard to criticisms which have been made against the administration of the fund, is it not the duty of the Government to safeguard the name of the Prince of Wales?

Mr. KILEY

Will the right hon. Gentleman make some arrangement so that subscribers to the fund can have some voice as to what will happen with the unexpended balance?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I understand the money was given entirely by private subscribers, but it is certainly the duty of the Government to consider whether or not the fund is being administered properly.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Why not have a body of trustees appointed?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I have promised to look into the matter.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Was this fund provided for the benefit of the civil population, and is it not now being used by the War Office for military purposes?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The answers I have already given show that I am unable to answer these questions.

Mr. MacVEAGH

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a similar fund was collected at the time of the Crimean War, that forty years afterwards the Government had to take charge of it, and it has not yet been wound up?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I am aware of what happened at the time of the Crimean War, and it came in useful.

Mr. MacVEAGH

Is the same thing going to happen with this fund?