§ MR. WHITEHEAD (Essex, S.E.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the losses in connection with slate clubs; and whether he can introduce legislation to protect the funds of those who adopt this mode of insurance.
§ MR. GLADSTONESlate clubs are usually small affairs, dividing at Christmas 1247 sums of from 20s. to 30s. They are not registered under any Act of Parliament; but could, if the members wished, be registered under the Friendly Societies Act. There are a few failures each year owing to defalcations; but this might be avoided without recourse to legislation if every person in charge of the funds were required by the members to give security in a good guarantee society. The premium might, if it were thought desirable, be paid by the club.