§ Mr. TOUCHEasked how many friendly societies and branches have notified their intention to dissolve since the passing of the National Insurance Act; and how many similar notifications were received during the corresponding period in the previous year?
§ Mr. MASTERMANSince the passing of the National Insurance Act, 1911, 194 societies and eleven branches have notified to the Registrar of Friendly Societies their intention to dissolve. Of these 194 societies nineteen have been dissolved by instrument, fifty-eight have submitted instruments of dissolution for registry, which have not yet been registered, and the remaining 117 have merely expressed an intention to dissolve, but have, so far as is known, taken no steps to give effect to such intention. Of the eleven branches five have been dissolved by instrument, one branch has submitted an instrument of dissolution, which has not yet been registered, and the remaining five have up to the present taken no steps to give effect to the intention which has been expressed. During the period from 16th December, 1910, to 18th March, 1911, forty societies and one branch were dissolved by instrument. It is not possible to state how many notifications of intention to dissolve were received during that period.
Captain FABERMight I ask the hon. Gentleman whether friendly societies are obliged to give notice to dissolve or whether they do it voluntarily?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThey do it voluntarily under conditions. I think five-sixths of their members have to agree, and they then send in their request.