HC Deb 14 July 1898 vol 61 cc953-4
MR. ROBSON (South Shields)

On behalf of the honourable Member for Berwickshire, I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is about to appoint a Committee to inquire into shop benefit clubs; and, if so, whether he will consent to inquire into the working of slate clubs?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT

The inquiry which I suggested was into the alleged grievances of the friendly societies against certain employers for compelling their workmen to leave those societies and join clubs established by the employers. I imagine the terms of reference would cover the case of slate clubs so far as similar grievances have arisen in connection with them.