HC Deb 01 October 1942 vol 383 cc956-7W
Mr. R. Morgan

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the serious financial position of the British Red Cross Fund; whether, as this collects public money, he is satisfied that the administration is conducted on strictly business and economic lines; and what is the average cost of the contents of a parcel sent to a prisoner of war and the transport of such a parcel, respectively, to its destination?

Sir J. Grigg

I am furnished with regular information regarding the financial position of the War Organisation of the British Red Cross Society and Order of St. John of Jerusalem, and I know of nothing to suggest that its position is not at present entirely sound; I also know of no reason to consider that it will not continue so. I am satisfied that the administration of the organisation is conducted on fines which give full regard to efficiency and economy. The average cost of the contents of a food parcel sent to a prisoner of war is 8s; 10d., and the cost of transport between Lisbon and Marseilles is 1s. 2d.