HC Deb 26 February 1953 vol 511 c2295
41. Brigadier Medlicott

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will appoint a committee to consider the setting up on a permanent basis of a National Distress Relief Fund, with the object of co-ordinating the appeals and, within suitable limits, pooling the funds contributed, towards national disasters, whether due to floods, storms, mining explosions, railway accidents or other causes, thus not only enabling funds to be collected continuously, but also to be available for instant payment out whenever a disaster occurs.

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

Her Majesty's Government are not satisfied that the advantages of such a proposal justify the establishment of a committee to examine it, but the matter will be further considered.