44. Mr. ROBINSONasked the Minister of Pensions whether the Voluntary Fund at his disposal has been registered as a charity under a scheme approved by the Charity Commissioners; and to what class of case and for what purpose are grants now made from this Fund?
Lieut.-Colonel STANLEYThe Voluntary Fund referred to has been brought under the Charitable Trusts Acts, 1853 to 1925, and a scheme for the administration of the Fund has been approved and established by the Board of Charity Commissioners. It would not be practicable to set out in detail the various types of case that are assisted from this Fund, but I may say that in all cases disablement or death by war service is a condition precedent.
§ Mr. R. MORRISONWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether grants from this fund are made solely upon the recommendation of the Ministry of Pensions? Does it, at the present time, rest with the Ministry of Pensions?
Lieut.-Colonel STANLEYThe ultimate decision rests with the Minister who administers the Fund, but recommendations are made both by the Special Grants Committee and also by local war pensions committees.