§ 60. Sir J. D. REESasked whether the Insurance Commissioners propose to interfere with the discretion now exercised by approved societies as regards the choice of places in which their meetings may be 944 held; whether the Government has sanctioned any such proposal; and, if so, why this has been done, in view of the Chancellor of the Exchequer's pledge that the self-government possessed by friendly societies should not be impaired or destroyed by the passing of the National Insurance Act?
§ Mr. GODFREY LOCKER-LAMPSONasked why the Insurance Commissioners are interfering with the choice of the members of approved societies as to meetings on licensed premises; and why the question cannot be left to a vote of the members?
Mr. BENNI propose to take Questions 60 and 63 together. Under Section 27 (2) Regulations have already been made in Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. As regards England, no Regulation has yet been laid before the House. A draft has been submitted to the Advisory Committee. My right hon. Friend has also arranged to receive deputations from two large approved societies on the subject, and he will be happy to consider representations from any other approved societies which are interested.