§ 32. Mr. KELLYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether there has been any disposal of the balance of the Naval Prize Fund; if so, what was the amount; when the distribution took place; and to whom such grants were made?
Mr. ALEXANDERSince the passing of the Naval Prize Act, 1928, grants amounting to £142,000 have been made from the residue of the Prize Fund to Naval and Marine Charities. Details of the grants are given in Admiralty Fleet Order 590 of 8th March, 1929, a copy of which I am sending to my hon. Friend. In addition a sum of £15,632 has been settled in trust to establish a scheme for medical assistance to the wives and families of members of the Fleet at Malta.
Mr. ALEXANDERMy hon. Friend is probably aware of the discussions which took place last year when the Bill was passing through the House. There is a very small surplus in hand which it would be unwise to dissipate until we are certain that we shall have no further claims.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHADoes the right hon. Gentleman propose to recover from the Treasury the amount taken over by them and place it to the credit or at the disposal of the Naval Benevolent Trust and other charities?
Mr. ALEXANDERI am not sure that that strictly arises. When the money was paid over the Treasury also accepted liability for any other payments. If the hon. Member is anxious to know about the future of that particular money, he had better apply to the Treasury.