HC Deb 28 January 1929 vol 224 cc598-9
47. Mr. BOWERMAN

asked the Prime Minister whether moneys raised by municipal authorities adopting mining townships and forwarded direct to local committees for distribution in the distressed areas will be supplemented by the State grant as in the case of moneys passing through the Lord Mayor's Fund?

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

I have been asked to reply. The Government grant is payable only to the Lord Mayor's Fund and in respect of contributions to that fund. Local contributions to that fund may, however, be earmarked for use in particular areas, and will rank for Government grant provided that the adopted area coincides with an area approved by the Lord Mayor as eligible for relief from his fund; that the earmarked contribution, together with the Government grant thereon, does not exceed the sum which the area would be entitled to receive from the fund had the contribution not been earmarked, and that the money is expended under the control of the fund organisation in that area on purposes within the scope of the fund.

Mr. PETHICK- LAWRENCE

Does the same position apply to money given to voluntary organisations and in the same way passed through the Lord Mayor's Fund?

Lord E. PERCY

I think that, generally speaking, this answer applies to all contributions which are made to the Lord Mayor's Fund and are earmarked for particular areas, but the distribution must always be through the organisation of the Lord Mayor's Fund itself.

Mr. PALING

If it is the opinion of the Government that it is desirable to deal with the question by private charity of this description, is it not possible to extend the Fund, or the circumstances in which it is now collected, to those people who prefer to give their donations in certain particular ways?

Lord E. PERCY

I think my answer shows that that can be done, so long as the administration is through the organisation of the Fund.

Mr. PALING

But is it not the fact that, if any particular town in the country desires to adopt some small mining district, and if it does not contribute to the Lord Mayor's Fund, it cannot have the benefit of the Government grant?

Lord E. PERCY

It must contribute to the Lord Mayor's Fund itself.

Mr. PALING

Then it is the fact in these circumstances that it cannot have the Government grant, and cannot the circumstances be extended to include such cases?

Lord E. PERCY

If the hon. Member will look at the answer I have given, I think he will see that he is incorrect.