§ 34. Mr. R. J. RUSSELLasked the hon. Member for Bosworth (Sir W. Edge), as representing the Charity Commissioners, what has been done with the funds raised during the South African War for the assistance of members of 198 the Imperial Yeomanry; and if he is aware that some of those who served in that war are to-day in need of help?
§ Mr. BLINDELL (Lord of the Treasury)I have been asked to reply. The only fund raised specifically for the Imperial Yeomanry of which the Charity Commissioners have knowledge is that known as the Imperial Yeomanry Benevolent Fund, administered under the provisions of a Declaration of Trust dated the 28th July, 1903, as varied by a Scheme of the Court dated the 30th July, 1930. There is also a South African Fund for soldiers disabled in the Boer War administered by Lloyds Patriotic Fund. Accounts of the income and expenditure of both these funds are rendered to the Commissioners in accordance with the Charitable Trusts Acts and are open to inspection at the Commissioners' office. The Commissioners do not themselves administer charities and have no official information beyond that given in the accounts as to how far men who served in the South African War are still in need of assistance.
§ Brigadier-General NATIONCan the hon. Member say how many men who served in the Imperial Yeomanry in the South African War are alive to-day, or where that information can be obtained?
§ Mr. BLINDELLI think the answer definitely states that the Charity Commissioners have no knowledge of that.
§ Mr. MANDERMay I ask where the hon. Member for Bosworth (Sir W. Edge) is, and why it is not possible for him to be here to answer questions?