NEW CLAUSE.—(Exemption, from Stamp Duty of Documents under Part I. of the National Insurance Act, 1911.) (Hansard, 15 August 1913)

§ Mr. MASTERMAN
I beg to move, "That the Clause be read a second time."
This Clause is to meet a promise made to the approved societies which puts them on the same level as far as exemption from Stamp Duty of documents is concerned. The trade unionists at present are handicapped in comparison with registered friendly societies, and I promised this Amendment either in this Act or in the Finance Act. I have decided that it is more convenient to make it in this Act.

§ Mr. CASSEL
The right hon. Gentleman tells us that these are documents in regard to which friendly societies are exempted. If that is so are not the approved societies already exempted under Section 76 of the original Act? That Section was accepted on the ground that it would have that effect. I do not know whether it has now been discovered that that Section has not that effect. I should like to have some explanation as to whether it has now been discovered that Section 76 does not cover this point. Section 76 provides that "any enactment applying to the society in relation 3179 to the transaction of such ordinary business shall apply accordingly in relation to the business transacted by the society under this part of this Act." Therefore, any enactment which applies to friendly society business also applies under this part of this Act. The form of the Clause was provided by the Government and they would not accept my original draft, which was clearer. The Clause which was inserted by the Government was intended to have this effect.

§ Mr. MASTERMAN
I am told that in spite of this Clause there is a differentiation in respect of the Stamp Duty between registered friendly societies and trade unions. If there is any doubt perhaps the hon. Member will allow us to have this Clause to make it quite clear.