§ 48. Mr. Shinwellasked the Prime Minister whether he has now completed his inquiry into the position of holders of the Victoria Cross in respect of an annuity under the Royal Warrant; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir, but I hope to be able to make a statement before the House rises.
§ Mr. ShinwellIn the interim, will the right hon. Gentleman consider that many of the recipients of the Victoria Cross are suffering severely from a strained financial situation and that many of them dislike the idea of appealing to the voluntary agencies? Will he conduct an exhaustive inquiry to ensure that no holder of the Victoria Cross is suffering from financial strain?
§ The Prime MinisterI indicated I would look into this matter myself. I am discussing it with different Departments and with my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Norwood (Sir J. Smyth), who is chairman of the Victoria Cross Association. I hope to be able to make a statement before the House rises.