§ MR. W. JOHNSTON (Belfast, S.)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received from the Belfast United Trades Council a statement concerning the system pursued by the Yorkshire Provident Life Assurance Company; and whether, in the interest of persons of the industrial classes who have taken out policies of insurance, he will cause the circumstances of this company to be investigated with a view to ascertaining its position and solvency?
THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. MUSDELLA,) Sheffield, BrightsideYes, Sir; I have had a communication from the Belfast United Trades Council on the subject referred to; but I have no power to order an 1137 inquiry into the affairs of the company, except on an application made to me under the provisions of Section 56 of the Companies Act, 1862, by the specified proportion of the shareholders.