§ Mr. BELLAMYasked the Minister of Pensions the amount of money still available in the voluntary funds at his disposal for the assistance of ex-service men or the widows and children of men who gave their lives for the country; whether the fund or funds is administered by trustees or is at his unfettered disposal; the number of applications received in the 12 months ending 30th September, 1928; the number granted and the amount of money disbursed; and the conditions under which grants are made and the specific objects or purposes in respect of which a pensioner or the widows and children of deceased sailors, soldiers, or airmen not admitted to pension may receive assistance?
Lieut.-Colonel STANLEYThe balance not already earmarked for specific distributions is approximately £16,000. The Fund is administered by my right hon. Friend as sole trustee under a scheme made by the Charity Commissioners under the Charitable Trusts Acts. During the year ended 30th September, 1928, 1,418 applications were received, and 546 grants were approved of a total amount of £3,386. It is impracticable within the scope of an answer to detail the regulations governing the Fund or to describe the very varied types of cases assisted. Disablement or death by Great War service is a condition precedent to the issue of a grant. The majority of grants now being made are for the benefit of children of deceased men, and in the main with the object of assisting them to earn a livelihood. In a small number of cases grants are still being made to enable pensioners who have been in receipt of treatment for prolonged periods to set up in business.