§ 22. Mr. G. HARDIE(for Mr. R. GIBSON) asked the Secretary of State for War for what purpose the funds of the South African Garrison Institute were raised; on what date the British troops interested in the funds were withdrawn from South Africa; whether he will state the amount of the funds as at that date; the amount of interest accruing to the said funds from and after that date; how the said funds and interest have been dealt with; and the present position of the funds and interest?
Mr. COOPERThe South African Garrison Institutes Fund was created in 1902, with the object of supplying the regular troops in South Africa with goods at favourable rates. Shortly after the conclusion of the Great War it was decided that regular troops should no longer be maintained in South Africa, and the balance of the fund, together with the value of certain buildings sub- 1814 sequently sold (a total of approximately £24,000), was remitted to England and has been partly expended and partly invested by the Army Council for the benefit of the British Army.
§ Mr. HARDIEWhy is it that these South African veterans, who are still scattered about the country and in distress, are not being attended to in some way from this fund?
Mr. COOPERI have explained what has been done with the fund. It was meant to be incorporated, part of it to be expended on providing amenities for the troops and another part in another fund for the Army canteens in the Great War. It is still being used for that purpose for the benefit of serving soldiers.
§ Mr. HARDIEIs not the Minister aware that the fund was originally raised for what I am now asking should be done?
Mr. COOPERThe fund was originally raised for the benefit of serving soldiers in South Africa, and not for the benefit of veterans. The money is still being used for the benefit of serving soldiers in this country.