asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been drawn to the position of the dependants of the Rye lifeboatmen who lost their lives by the sinking of their boat when endeavouring to succour a vessel in trouble at sea, and for whom a public subscription created a fund to assist their distress; if he is aware that this fund is being withheld from the people for whom it was subscribed; and will he take some action in the matter?

I have been asked to reply. I have no information from official sources, but from such other information as I have received I understand that the persons holding the funds have taken legal advice with a view to the establishment of a scheme for the benefit of the dependants. I am also informed that the present needs of the dependants are being satisfied.

Will the expenditure incurred by consulting counsel and taking legal advice be borne by the fund itself?

I am not able to answer that question, but I may say now that the matter has been brought to my attention, and, with a view to facilitating the more speedy use of the fund, I have asked the Mayor of Rye if he can find it convenient to see me.