LORD HENRY BRUCE (Wilts, Chippenham)I beg to ask the hon. Member for Wigton (Sir H. Maxwell) whether his attention has been called to the statement that the National Labourers' Union, being registered under the Act of 1871, precludes it from the Government inquiry now being held on the Management of Friendly Societies; that the Annual Council was held on the 30th of May with closed doors, and with the place of meeting unannounced; whether his attention has been called to the fact that the officers' salaries and expenses are, although less than formerly, £681 2s. 7½d., as stated in the balance sheet for 1887 and 1888; and whether he can take any steps to bring such societies within the scope of the inquiry?
§ A LORD OF THE TREASURY (Sir H. MAXWELL,) WigtonshireIn reply to my noble Friend I have very little to add to what was said by the First Lord of the Treasury to a similar question not many days ago. My attention has been drawn to the fact that the constitution of the National Labourers' Union does not bring it under Section 30 of the Friendly Societies Act, 1875, to societies and companies under which the inquiry of the Select Committee now sitting is strictly confined. I have not been informed of the conditions under which the last Annual Council was held, nor have I any information as to the expenses of management of the Union. Under the present reference it is obviously impossible for the Select Committee to extend their inquiry into the affairs and constitution of the National Labourers' Union.