MR. AGLANDasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Whether it is true that the Independent Mutual Brethren Friendly Society's Valuation Return shows an estimated deficiency of £147,000 on realised assets of £6,705; and, whether the Chief Registrar of Friendly Societies has any, and, if so, what powers to compel the Society to put its affairs on a proper footing before taking in new members?
§ MR. COURTNEYI am informed, Sir, that the figures given in the Question are substantially correct. The Chief Registrar has no independent authority to compel a Society whose valuation gives unsatisfactory results to put its affairs on a proper footing. But upon the application of a certain proportion of the members—which in this case would be 500—the Chief Registrar has power to investigate the Society's affairs, and either to award its dissolution or to suspend his award so as to enable it to make the necessary alterations in its contributions and benefits,