HC Deb 18 April 1929 vol 227 cc386-7
15. Mr. LUNN

asked the President of the Board of Education what is the total amount collected by, and allocated from, the Lord Mayor's Fund for the relief of distress in mining areas; what is the amount distributed in South Wales, Durham, and the West Riding; is he aware that, although there is much distress, there is difficulty in obtaining any more money from the fund; will he state whether the fund has been closed both for collection and distribution; and what is to be done with any surplus?

Lord E. PERCY

I am informed that up to the 15th instant the total amount of private subscriptions to the fund amounted to £800,700, and that the total grants to the Divisional Committees amounted to £635,500, of which £280,464 was allocated to South Wales; £159,175 to Durham and Northumberland; and £44,000 to the West Riding. No application for grants from any Divisional Committee has been refused. The Lord Mayor of London in a letter to the "Times," dated 26th March, publicly announced his decision to close the fund on 30th April, but the administration of the fund by divisional and local committees will, of course, continue.

Mr. LUNN

Has a Government grant of the same amount as the total of private subscriptions been paid to this fund?

Lord E. PERCY

The money already voted by Parliament has been paid over to the fund.

Mr. BATEY

But is it the amount subscribed by voluntary contributions? Can the Noble Lord say by how much the Government grant falls short of the total of voluntary subscriptions?

Lord E. PERCY

The money voted by Parliament brought the Government contribution up to date, roughly up to the date when Parliament rose for the Easter Recess. Since then there have been these further subscriptions, and naturally it is too early to introduce another Vote until the fund is closed on 30th April, when we shall have a definite figure to present to Parliament.

Mr. BATEY

Will the Noble Lord say what it is proposed to do with the balance in the fund? Who is to get the balance?

Lord E. PERCY

If the hon. Member wants information as to the future policy of the fund, perhaps he will give me notice.