VISCOUNT ELIBANKMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether it would assist the Army Welfare Services, and lead to all-round reductions in administrative expenses and to the simplification of the work of co-ordination, if the voluntary bodies at present dealing with serving soldiers and particularly their dependants, but under overlapping conditions, were 598 amalgamated into one organisation, and, if so, whether they can approach the voluntary bodies in the matter.]
THE EARL OF ONSLOWMy Lords, I believe that most charitable organisations offer clearly defined services and do not encroach upon one another. Among the remainder working in more closely related fields there may be cases of overlapping, as the noble Viscount has suggested. I understand that proposals have recently been made among some of the charitable bodies to improve their co-operation, perhaps by means of a consultative committee. I think your Lordships will agree that if any reform of organisation is needed, this is the way it should begin, with a lead coming from the charities themselves. And I should my Lords, of course emphasise that these charities are quite independent of Her Majesty's Government.
VISCOUNT ELIBANKMy Lords, I beg to thank the noble Earl for his Answer. Now that the war has been over for fifteen years and the Services have been reduced, could he indicate that the Government would view with approval any "coming together" steps taken by the voluntary organisations which would lead to the avoidance of unnecessary overlapping and to an all-round reduction in administrative costs?
§ EARL HOWEMy Lords, before the noble Earl answers that question may I ask him whether he is aware that any proposal to amalgamate various charities would be very likely seriously to impair their income?
THE EARL OF ONSLOWMy Lords, I think I can best answer the noble Viscount's supplementary question by saying that Her Majesty's Government would certainly view with approval any arrangements made by the charities that would improve, or at least maintain, the valuable work they do at the moment. But, as I said in the Answer to the original Question, it of course must be absolutely clear that Her Majesty's Government have no responsibility over any of these charities, and could not in any any way put any pressure on them.