§ 19. Mr. Liptonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what further consideration he has given to the establishment of 536 a national relief fund from which immediate grants can be made to individuals or their next of kin in cases of flood, railway and mining disasters and similar events of magnitude involving loss of life or damage to property.
§ Sir E. BoyleMy right hon. and learned Friend has the question of a permanent national disaster fund, for use as occasion arises, under review.
§ Mr. LiptonWhile I thank the hon. Gentleman for that Answer, may I ask him whether he is not aware that in the meantime it is regarded as rather mean that when such a disaster occurs the Government wait to see what local charitable efforts can do before making up their mind about what the Government can do? Anyhow, I thank the hon. Gentleman very much—so far.