MR. DUNDAS WHITE (Dumbartonshire)To ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that objection has been taken in Scotland under Section 4 of The Industrial and Provident Societies Act, 1893, to industrial and provident societies describing themselves in their rules as general dealers; that this threatens to cause inconvenience to many of these societies in Scotland, and that the use of this description is permitted under the same Act in England; if he can say whether the opinion of the Law Officers has been taken on this; and whether he will take steps to promote remedial legislation.
(Answered by Mr. Hobhouse.) I am aware that objection was not long ago 1604 taken in Scotland to industrial and provident societies describing their objects as being merely to carry on the trade or business of general dealers, and that such a description has been considered in England as a sufficient compliance with the Act. The opinion of the Law Officers has been taken on the point, and they have advised that such description is sufficient. This opinion will be acted upon throughout the United Kingdom, and there is no cause for any remedial legislation.