§ 51. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the hon. and gallant Member for Tonbridge, as representing the Charity Commissioners, whether registration authorities under the War Charities Act, 1916, send periodical reports to the Charity Commissioners of organised efforts in their areas?
§ Lieut.-Colonel SPENDER-CLAY (Charity Commissioner)The reply is in the negative.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSWhen local complaints are made of this nature, do the
§ the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the reply:
§ Charity Commissioners investigate as to whether the money has been misappropriated?
§ Lieut.-Colonel SPENDER-CLAYThe Commissioners have no power to do that, and it seems to me to be a matter for legislation which might very well be considered by the Home Secretary.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSAre we to understand that the registration authorities make no report to anybody, not even to the Charity Commissioners?
§ Lieut.-Colonel SPENDER-CLAYOf course, they report to the local authorities. In the case of the war charities, they apply the surplus as near as possible to the original object for which that fund was created.
§ 52. Mr. WILLIAMSasked the hon. and gallant Member for Tonbridge, as 23 representing the Charity Commissioners, whether any representation has been made to him in connection with the recent 10,000 shilling fund for ex-service men and their families in Scarborough: and, if so, will he state whether any action has been taken in the matter.
§ Lieut.-Colonel SPENDER-CLAYThe registered War Charity known as the "ten thousand shilling fund" has now ceased operations. Under an Order of the Court the balance of the fund (£417 15s. 9d.) has been handed over to the Treasurer of the Women's Section, Scarborough Branch, of the British Legion and is not subject to the jurisdiction of the Commissioners.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there is tremendous indignation in Scarborough because of the alleged deduction by the British Legion of £315 out of £517 for expenses, and will the hon. and gallant Member cause investigations to be made in order to see whether this allegation is true or not?
§ Lieut.-Colonel SPENDER-CLAYI am not aware of this allegation, and I would point out that if there is any reason to believe that the funds have not been applied for the purposes for which they were intended, and for which the learned Judge made an order, then it lies with the Attorney-General to take such action as he may think fit.
§ Major COHENIs the hon. Member aware that this is purely a local matter?
§ Lieut.-Colonel SPENDER-CLAYYes, I am fully aware of that fact. As the British Legion has been mentioned, I would point out that the Charity Commissioners are not really concerned, because what we are discussing is a War charity. At the same time, we have heard that there is trouble in Scarborough in connection with the British Legion with which the headquarters of the British Legion have nothing whatever to do.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSWhile this may be only a local complaint, it is really one which affects the whole nation so far as charity organisation is concerned. I think this House ought to be satisfied that, when charity collections take place, the 24 money is not diverted from the purpose for which it was originally intended.
§ Lieut.-Colonel SPENDER-CLAYI have already pointed out that, if the money has been misapplied, it is open to the Attorney-General to call the attention of the learned Judge to the matter.