§ MR. RAIKESasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether the Government intended to bring in any measure during the present Session dealing with Friendly Societies; and whether any Report had been made or may be expected to be soon made by the Royal Commission appointed to investigate this question?
MR. BRUCE, in reply, said, that some of the evidence that had been taken on this subject had been actually reported, and he was informed that further evidence with reference to it would soon be in the hands of Members. It was, however, not expected that any conclusion on the subject of Friendly Societies would be arrived at by the Commissioners during the present Session, and it would be impossible to attempt any legislation in the matter until the Report had been made.
MR. BRUCEsaid, that the evidence taken before the Commissioners related to Building as well as to Friendly Societies, but that the Report had not yet been printed.
§ SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTE, as Chairman of the Commission, might state that the forthcoming Report would refer to Building, but not to Friendly Societies.