§ 3. Mr. KENNEDYasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the circumstances of claimants for compensation for suffering and damage by enemy action are being inquired into by representatives of the Charity Organisation Society, acting on behalf of the Royal Commission appointed to deal with this matter; whether he is aware that claimants resent being visited and catechised by the irresponsible officials of this society; and if steps can be taken to have any necessary inquiries conducted in future by persons of responsibility acting on behalf of some public authority?
§ Mr. BALDWINThe hon. Member no doubt refers to the inquiries which have to be made in order to ascertain whether particular cases should be given priority of consideration on the ground of the specially necessitous circumstances of the claimants. For this purpose it is necessary to make use of any suitable assistance that may be available, including, where possible, that of local authorities, and in a number of cases the Charity Organisation Society have kindly given their help.
§ Mr. KENNEDYWill the Commission consider any evidence supplied which might conflict with the information supplied by the Charity Organisation Society?
§ Mr. BALDWINI assume that when an investigation is made, evidence will be taken from either party.