§ MR. W. J. GALLOWAY (Manchester, S. W.)I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he is aware that a resolution was unanimously passed at the recent conference of friendly societies held in London on Thursday, 26th March, urging upon the Government the abolition of the compulsory declaration now necessary before a Magistrate or Commissioner of Oaths when rules of such societies have to be amended; whether he will cause inquiries to be made into the large amount of dissatisfaction caused to friendly societies owing to the necessity of this declaration; and, whether, in view of this resolution, the Government, in the Bill which they propose to introduce in order to consolidate the Friendly Societies Acts, will abolish such declaration?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Sir MICHAEL HICKS BEACH,) Bristol, W.I have not seen the resolution referred to, nor has it been communicated to the Registrar of Friendly Societies. If it is sent to me, I will, of course, consider it. But, as at present advised, I am not prepared, as I told the hon. Member on the 24th March, to abolish the declaration.
§ MR. GALLOWAYIf the resolution is forwarded to him, will the right hon. Gentleman favourably consider the first part of the resolution?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERI have already stated why I do not think it possible to do so.