§ MR. THOMAS O'DONNELLI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is 145 aware that the policy holders of the Irish Provident Assurance Company, after seeing the reports published in the Press regarding that company, ceased paying their premiums; and that the policy holders of the town of Ballinasloe were paid a composition amounting to half the premiums paid by them; if so, will he say whether the balance-sheet of this company has been lodged with the Registrar of Friendly Societies or the responsible official of the Board of Trade; and, if so, what is his report upon it.
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. BONAR LAW,) Glasgow, BlackfriarsThe Board of Trade are not aware of the circumstances referred to by the hon. Member. I have ascertained that this company is not registered in the Registry of Friendly Societies, Ireland, and no accounts have been lodged by the company with this Department. Some question has arisen as to the liability of the company to render returns under the Life Assurance Companies Acts, and the matter is under the consideration of the Irish Law Officers.