32. Mr. HAMILTON BENNasked whether the reserves arising in respect of persons who have reduced their contributions to their friendly societies by the amounts deducted from their wages will be secured to them only, or whether the Registrar of Friendly Societies will sanction schemes by utilising these reserves for the benefit of other members of the same societies who have not reduced their contributions?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe Registrar of Friendly Societies will sanction schemes submitted by societies for utilising the reserves set free through the reduction of the contributions and benefits of certain of their members for the benefit of all their members.
Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANSDoes not the right hon. Gentleman see that that is in effect fining the poorer members in favour of the richer members?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI do not think that deduction follows.
Mr. WORTHINGTON-EVANSIs it not the poorer members of the societies who would reduce their contributions, and the reserves arising from that will be applied for the richer members' benefit?
§ Mr. MASTERMANFrom the experience I have had up to the present it is not the poorer members vote for reduction; it is more a distinction between the older and the younger ones.