HC Deb 26 July 1889 vol 338 cc1432-3
MAJOR RASCH (Essex, S.E.)

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, with reference to the published correspondence between the hon. Baronet the Member for the Western Division of Essex and Mr. Joseph Arch, the Government will next Session increase the powers of the Friendly Societies Committee, in order to admit evidence with reference to the Agricultural Labourers' Union?

* THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. W. H. SMITH,) Strand, Westminster

My attention has been drawn to the correspondence alluded to, but I am unable to give any pledge in the matter, as the Report of the Committee on Friendly Societies is not yet in the hands of the Government, who would have to consider it before deciding whether it was necessary to reappoint the Committee next Session, and whether their powers should or could, be enlarged so as to include other than Friendly Societies.