HC Deb 07 September 1909 vol 10 cc1086-7
Viscount HELMSLEY

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his proposed Amendment to Clause 25 of the Finance Bill, page 17, line 13, at end, differentiates between different types of friendly societies engaged in similar work; and on what grounds it is proposed to define a registered society in different terms to those previously employed in the Friendly Societies Acts?

Mr. DUNDAS WHITE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in amending the postponed Clause 25 of the Finance Bill as regards registered societies, he will consider the advisability of treating as registered societies all societies which have been registered as friendly societies under the Friendly Societies Acts, independently of whether they are or are not restricted by their rules from dividing any part of their funds amongst their members?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

The proposed Amendment differentiates between societies which are, and those which are not, restricted by their rules from dividing any part of their funds among their members. This difference between dividing and non-dividing societies is recognised in the Friendly Societies Acts. The purpose of, the Finance Bill of course differs from that of the Friendly Societies Acts, and the question whether dividing societies can properly be given the same favourable treatment as non-dividing societies is receiving consideration.

Lord ROBERT CECIL

On what financial grounds do you propose to differentiate between dividing and non-dividing societies?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

I think it pretty clear that there is a difference between the genuine society which exists for the purpose of promoting habits of thrift and the kind of society which is known as a slate club, which has very different aims and objects in view, and I think that a proper distinction has been made, whether for financial reasons or for social ones.

Viscount HELMSLEY

Does the right hon. Gentleman suggest that all the dividing societies are slate clubs?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

No, I do not think so. I did not say so.

Mr. A. LUPTON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are upwards of a million members of these societies who will be excluded by the Finance Bill?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

That is a question of which I should have notice.

Mr. H. J. WILSON (Yorks., W.R., Holmfirth)

As the matter just referred to is exciting a considerable amount of interest, would the right hon. Gentleman arrange to have his reply circulated to Members generally?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

I shall be very glad to circulate it with the Votes.