§ Sir A. HOLBROOKasked the Secretary of State for War if he is able to state the cost of the administration of the United Services Fund; what portion of this cost applies to Edinburgh and the expenses of the administrator of that area in travelling to London; and whether he is aware that widows drawing allowances from the Fund are not permitted to purchase their supplies in the cheapest market?
§ Mr. COOPERThis question is a matter for the Charity Commissioners, but in the absence of my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Tonbridge (Lieut.-Colonel Spender-Clay), I am replying on his behalf. The cost of administration2272W of the United Services Fund for the year ended 30th September last, as shown in the published Annual Report and Accounts of the Fund, amounted to £43,961 10s. 11d.; the expenses of administration of the Scottish area during the same period were £1,883 19s. 6d. It has not been found possible in the time available to ascertain what part of the last-mentioned sum represents the expenses of the administrator in travelling to London, but the figures can be supplied later if desired. The Commissioners are informed that during the year ended 30th September last the administrator did not come to London on business of the Fund more than once. It is assumed that the latter part of the question has reference to the relief given by the Fund in the form of orders upon named retailers of groceries, etc. The Commissioners are assured that the managers of the Fund take pains to ensure that the best obtainable value is given by all the retailers on whom such orders are issued.