§ MR. BAZLEY WHITE (Gravesend)asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Is it compulsory for Registered Trades Unions to make the Return referred to by section 16 of "The Trades Union Act, 1871;" and, if the Kent and Sussex Labourers' Union is exempt from the provisions of this Act; and, if not, upon whom does the duty of enforcing compliance rest?
THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. CHILDERS) (Edinburgh, S.)Yes, Sir; Registered Trade Unions are compelled to make the Return referred to. The Kent and Sussex Labourers' Union is not exempt from the provisions of this Act. The duty of enforcing compliance rests with the Registrars of Friendly Societies, subject to the consent of the Secretary of State to any prosecution. I am informed by the Chief Registrar that this Society's default only began on the 1st of June, and the usual reminder which is sent in such cases was sent out from his Office yesterday.