HC Deb 15 May 1912 vol 38 cc1124-5
Mr. GINNELL

asked if the right hon. Gentleman will ascertain, as at the end of April, 1912, the amounts, respectively, of paid-up capital of the Erin Assurance and Investment Company, Limited, of money received in premiums or otherwise, of money already spent on administration, of liabilities contracted up to that date, and of money available to meet them; how much of the paid-up capital belongs to F. England; whether he is the person of that name formerly connected with the Irish Provident Society, now in compulsory liquidation; how many persons the Erin Company have got to insure with them; and whether, on the facts, they will be allowed to continue soliciting clients and issuing policies?

Mr. BUXTON

The latest returns filed by the Erin Assurance and Investment Company, Limited, are made up to 30th June, 1911, and if they are made up to the same date in the present year, I shall not be able to furnish the hon. Member with particulars of the position at the end of April. The returns which have been filed show that on the 2nd January, 1912, Mr. F. England hold twenty ordinary shares of £5 each and three founders' shares of £5 each, which have since been converted into 200 ordinary shares of 10s. each, and thirty preferred ordinary shares of 10s. each, and that a further 500 preferred ordinary shares of 10s. each have been allotted to him. I am not aware that Mr. England was connected with the Irish Provident Assurance Company, Limited. The Board of Trade have no information as to the number of persons insured with the company, and they have no power to prevent the issue of policies by the company.

Mr. GINNELL

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether this company has deposited the £20,000 required as security under the Act?

Mr. BUXTON

Perhaps the hon. Member will give me notice of that question.