§ Sir Smedley Crookeasked the Secretary of State for War what is the amount of money, including the Absent Minded Beggar Fund, which was raised by public subscription for the benefit of men who served in the South African War, 1899–1902; how much of this money was handed to the Patriotic Fund Corporation and how much is still in hand; and in what manner it is being utilised for relief of these war veterans.
§ Sir J. GriggIn general the War Office is not responsible for the administration of publicly subscribed charitable funds. I regret that the answer to the first part of my hon. Friend's Question is not readily available. The Royal Patriotic Fund Corporation only deals with widows and orphans, and no money raised for the benefit of the men who served in the South African War was handed to that Fund. The answer to the last part of the Question is not readily available, but I understand that the balance of the Mansion House South African War Fund is administered by Lloyds Patriotic Fund.