HC Deb 22 March 1939 vol 345 cc1283-4
58. Sir Waldron Smithers

asked the hon. Member for West Swansea, as representing the Charity Commissioners, whether he will consider the desirability of an inquiry into the management and finances of the Shaftesbury Homes?

Mr. Lewis Jones (Charity Commissioners)

So far as the Commissioners are aware, the Shaftesbury Homes are responsible for the administration of property of three classes,

Mr. Gallacher

Do the figures not show the need for increasing the age to 65, so as to allow these men to continue working until they can get pensions?

Mr. Gibson

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether the dockyards include torpedo factories?

Following is the reply:

namely (1) Moneys representing voluntary contributions; (2) Endowments applicable solely for educational purposes, and (3) Endowments applicable for charitable purposes not solely educational. Classes (1) and (2) are not within the jurisdiction of the Charity Commissioners; consequently they have not power to hold any inquiry into the management of the homes so far as property or funds under those classes are concerned. If any complaint were received as to the administration of any endowment under class (3), the matter would be investigated. No such complaint has been received at present.

Sir W. Smithers

If I send my hon. Friend some criticisms that I have received, will he put them forward, as far as he can, in the right quarter?

Mr. Jones

I shall be very happy to do so.