§ Mr. THOROLD ROGERS (Southwark, Bermondsey)asked the Secretary 258 of State for the Home Department, Whether, in the interests of the working classes, and in view of the information recently obtained on the subject, he will advise that a Royal Commission should be appointed with the object of inquiring into the condition of Friendly Societies, and the working of the Friendly Societies Acts?
THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Sir WILLIAM HARCOURT)(who replied) (Derby)said: About 10 years ago there was an elaborate inquiry into this subject, and an Act was passed at the same time. I will make inquiries into the matter, as it would be a serious thing to institute a new inquiry after such a comparatively short interval of time. I should, however, be happy to hear from my hon. Friend his reasons for putting the Question, or if he has any fresh facts bearing upon the matter.