§ Mr. DARBISHIREasked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the United Services Fund was incorporated by Royal Charter on 19th May, 1921, in order, inter alia, to promote the effectual administration of the funds transferred to it and public confidence in such administration; that the local secretary of the fund in Penmaenmawr was last month committed to trial at the next Assizes on the charge of embezzling moneys of the fund, of having formed a bogus committee, of which one member was his son, aged 13, and of having forged medical certificates; and that, far from inspiring public confidence, the news of the man's arrest is causing anxiety in Wales as to the administration of the fund; and if he will order a public inquiry into the general management of the fund without delay?
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESS:I am generally aware of the circumstances referred to in the first two parts of this question, but I would point out that, as I informed the hon. Member on 13th March last, the council of management of the fund are not responsible to the War Office, which is therefore not in a position to take such action as is suggested in the last part of the question. I would, 2119W however, add that I am not aware of any general anxiety as to the administration of the fund. This is the first case of alleged fraud that has come to my notice, and I see no sufficient reason for such an inquiry as is suggested.