§ LORD R. CECILI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether a fee for registering Provident Societies has recently been instituted, and, if so, for, what reason; and whether, in view of the hindrance that is being thereby caused to the formation of small societies founded to promote valuable rural industries, the Government can see their way to modifying the recent regulations on the subject.
§ MR. RUNCIMANIf by "Provident" Society is meant a Friendly Society registered under the Friendly Societies Act, 1896, the answer is that no fee is payable to the Exchequer. If a Co-operative Society is meant, the answer is that a fee (£5) is now payable on registry. This fee was instituted in order to discourage the registry of societies whose financial position was weak or unsound. As the Chief Registrar has power to modify the fee and an appeal, is in certain cases, allowed to the Treasury, no hardship to any bona-fide small society is likely to be caused. The Regulation in question met with the entire approval of the Co-operative Union, Limited, the Labour Co-partnership Association, the Agricultural Organisation Societies, and all recognised bodies registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act.
§ LORD R. CECILCan the hon. Gentle-man say when the regulation was made and to what extent the Registrar is entitled to modify the fee?
§ MR. RUNCIMANI cannot give the exact date. If an appeal is made to the Treasury every case is dealt with on its merits. If the noble Lord has any 550 particular case he wishes to bring before me I will consider it at once.