§ 39. Mr. A. Edwardsasked the Secretary of State for War why the War Office refused a gift of £50,000 for blankets or canteens?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI cannot trace that the War Office has received this offer.
§ Mr. EdwardsIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I sent him this statement published in a reputable paper by a reputable journalist? Are we to understand that it is the Minister's opinion that there is no foundation for this offer?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThe copy that the hon. Member sent me was from a very reputable journalist, Mr. Hannen Swaffer, and the statement says:
I chanced to overhear a conversation which has resulted in a munificent gift to the Polish cause. A woman friend of mine was at a tea party in London and she heard someone in a corner talking.That is the basis of this question.
§ Mr. EdwardsWill the Minister answer the last part of the question? Is he satisfied that there is any foundation for this statement?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaDoes the hon. Member ask whether I hope it had foundation? If anybody offers £50,000 to the Army I will accept it forthwith.