§ 56. Mr. HARDIEasked the Secretary of State for War whether there are any balances remaining in the following funds: the Absent-minded Beggars Fund, the Lloyd Patriotic Fund, the Lord Methuen Fund, the Lord Kitchener Fund, and any other such funds raised for ex-service men of the South African War?
Mr. COOPERThe War Office has no responsibility for these funds, and inquiries should be addressed to the private charities concerned.
§ Mr. HARDIEHas the War Office nothing to say on behalf of those men who fought in the South African War and who are now on Poor Law relief? Does the right hon. Gentleman think that it is right that these men should have to appeal to charity after having given their services?
Mr. COOPERThe various charities referred to by the hon. Member are quite independent of Government control, and while I am prepared to look into the matter if the hon. Member wishes, the Government cannot exercise any control and I cannot say whether these charities have any funds at their disposal.