§ Mr. CASSELasked whether the hon. Gentleman's attention has been called to the fact that the Registrar of Friendly Societies is refusing to register or advertise the dissolution of friendly societies; and whether the Insurance Commissioners have instigated or requested him so to do, and on what authority such refusal is based?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe Registrar of Friendly Societies has not refused to register or advertise the dissolution of any society. He considers, however, that before the members of any society take the irrevocable step of dissolution, which in some cases may be disastrous to their best interests, they should consider carefully the effect of the Act upon them, and, in particular, the effect of Section 72, and in order to give them an opportunity for informing themselve on this matter he is advising them not to persist immediately with steps towards dissolution until they have fully considered their position under the Act.
Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANSDoes the hon. Member say that the Registrar of Friendly Societies it not holding up applications for dissolution pending the consideration of Clause 72?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI think I have fully answered that point in the answer I have given. He is endeavouring to see that authentic information is available for the members before they take the irrevocable step of dissolution.
Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANSHas he not held up applications for dissolution pending the inquiry he is making into the meaning of Clause 72?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI have no information on that point. No definite refusal has been given up to the present time.
§ Mr. CASSELHas the Registrar of Friendly Societies any power to refuse to register?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI think he can be mandamused if he does refuse; but that does not arise at present, because no refusal has been given.
§ Mr. CASSELasked how many societies or branches of societies registered under the Friendly Societies Acts have given notice to the Registrar of their intention to dissolve since the introduction of the National Insurance Act?
§ Mr. MASTERMANSince the introduction of the National Insurance Act, 1911—namely, 4th May, 1911–278 societies and 14 branches have notified to the Registrar of Friendly Societies their intention to dissolve. Of these 113 societies and 8 branches have already been dissolved by instrument. Dissolutions in respect of the remaining 165 societies and 6 branches have not yet been registered.