§ MR. YOUNG (Christchurch)I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that Stamp Duty has been claimed on cheques and orders drawn upon the treasurers of Friendly Societies, whether bankers or not, and whether this is in contravention of Section 749 tion 15 of the Friendly Societies Act of 1875; and whether such cheques and orders, if passed through another bank for collection, are still liable to duty?
§ MR. GOSCHENSection 15 of the Friendly Societies Act, 1875, exempts from Stamp Duty an—
Order or receipt for money contributed to or received from the funds of the society by virtue of its rules or of that Act.I am advised that this exemption does not extend to cheques, which are negotiable instruments. There has been no change in the practice of the Inland Revenue Department in this respect, and the distinction which is made is founded upon judicial decisions.