§ 24. Mr. C. BATHURSTasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that the Industrial and Provident Societies Amendment Bill was introduced as a Government Bill in 1910 and passed its Second Reading after discussion in this House without a division, the increasing demand on the part of co-operative societies to be allowed as provided by the Bill to increase the maximum amount of their shareholders' interests beyond the present limit of £200 and the urgent necessity since the judgment of the House of Lords in Eccles Provident Society v. Griffiths of regularising by Act of Parliament the prevailing system of nominating members' shares in favour of others, the Government will, in compliance with the unanimous desire of all such societies, whether industrial, agricultural, or distributive, reintroduce the Bill with a view to its being passed into law this Session?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Masterman)My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The matter is under consideration.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTIn view of the great interest in this measure on the part of co-operators throughout the country, may I ask if the right hon. Gentleman will arrange for its reintroduction in another place at an early date?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI have been seeing deputations on the subject, and I think that is one of the possible courses that may be adopted.