HC Deb 25 February 1929 vol 225 cc1574-5
67. Mr. BATEY

asked the President of the Board of Education what is the total amount subscribed to the Lord Mayor's Fund, the amount paid by the Treasury, and the total amount disbursed from the fund for the relief of distress?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Lord Eustace Percy)

Up to the 22nd February, 1929, the total amount subscribed to the Lord Mayor's Fund was £698,723, the amount paid into the Fund by the Treasury £150,000, and the amount disbursed from the Fund £440,871.

Mr. BATEY

As the policy of the Government is to pay pound for pound, will the right hon. Gentleman say why the Government are so slow in paying up?

Lord E. PERCY

Because the House of Commons has not voted any further money.

Mr. BATEY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why the Government have not asked the House of Commons for more money?

Lord E. PERCY

That is a question of business and should be addressed to the Leader of the House.

Mr. SHINWELL

Is it the intention of the Government to come to the House of Commons and ask for this further supple?

Lord E. PERCY

Certainly.

Mr. SHINWELL

Will the Noble Lord say when the Government propose to ask for this money?

Lord E. PERCY

The hon. Member cannot have heard what I said. Any question as to public business of the House should be addressed to the Leader of the House.

Miss WILKINSON

Is the President of the Board of Education not aware that the delay of the Government in paying 119 their share to this fund, according to the Prime Minister's promise, is having a bad effect on the appeals which are being made to the country?

Lord E. PERCY

I am not aware of that fact, and I do not think it is the case.

Mr. SHINWELL

Will the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the Prime Minister on this matter?