§ Lord CHARLES BERESFORDasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that there is a friendly society in Portsmouth called the Royal Naval Firemen's Sick Benefit and Burial Society; whether he is aware that the members of this society, numbering 2,000, contribute from 2s. to 2s. 8d. per month according to age; whether he is aware that members of this society receive the following amounts of sick pay, namely, 2s. a week if members under three months, 4s. a week if members for three months, 8s. a week if members for six months, and 14s. a week 1823 if members for twelve months; whether he is aware that the interest on the investment of the funds of this society averages 5 per cent. per annum; that the funds amounted to £11,782 in December, 1910; and whether it would be permissible for this society to affiliate itself with another at Portsmouth in order to receive the benefits under the National Insurance Bill?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEI have no doubt the Noble Lord is well informed as to the various particulars which he gives respecting this society. I know of no obstacle to prevent the society affiliating itself in the manner suggested.
§ Lord C. BERESFORDWill it be necessary that these societies should be amalgamated for this purpose?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEAs at present ad-advised, I think they must amalgamate, but I would rather that the Noble Lord would put down a definite question.