§ DR. CLARK (Caithness)asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether considering the fact that there are about 10,000,000 members connected with the Collecting Friendly Societies and Indus- 682 trial Assurance Companies, and the facts revealed by the late inquiries as to the expenses of management and the stability of these institutions, the Government will appoint a Select Committee to consider whether further legislation is required?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. GOSCHEN) (St. George's, Hanover Square), in reply, said, that a Bill dealing with the subject referred to in the Question had been brought in by the hon. Baronet the Member for London University (Sir John Lubbock.) That Bill, however, went too far, and the Government could not support it. If, however, a Bill were introduced to carry out the reforms which were really necessary the Government would not oppose it. But if the Bill of the hon. Baronet could be committed pro formâ, and then re-cast, the Government would be ready to refer it to a Select Committee. If the Bill could not be satisfactorily recast the Government Would consent to the appointment of a Select Committee to inquire into the whole subject.