§ 41. Mr. J. WARDasked whether the valuation of approved societies having over 5,000 members in England and less than 5,000 members in Scotland and Wales will be conducted on a system which will secure to the members in Scotland and Wales not less than the minimum benefits paid to the members of the same society resident in England after the valuation?
Mr. ROBERTSONThe answer is in the negative. The English, Scottish and Welsh sections of societies having members in all three countries have each complete financial independence of each other whatever their respective numbers.
§ Mr. J. WARDMay we take it for granted from the hon. Gentleman's answer that there may be, after the next valuation, three scales of benefits for the different sets of members of one society?
Mr. ROBERTSONThis is the result, of course, of the decision arrived at by the House. It does not follow, as the hon. Member infers, that the English set will always have the best of it.
§ Mr. J. WARDSeeing that they all pay the same, does not the hon. Gentleman think they should all receive the same, and that any regulation which prevents that is ridiculous?
§ Mr. J. WARDWill the hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of dealing with this part of the business in the amending Bill?