34. Mr. C. WASONasked the Home Secretary if he will ascertain if the ' Middle Age Pension Friendly Society is being run by Mr. William Taverner on the same disastrous lines as the National Old Age Pension Trust; and, if so, if he will take the necessary steps to prevent poor persons being victimised as they were by the National Old Age Pension Trust?
Mr. McKINNON WOODThe Middle Age Pension Friendly Society is believed to conduct a business similar to that of the National Old Age Pension Trust, the assets of which are in the hands of a receiver appointed by the Court. The Middle Age Pension Friendly Society is registered under the Friendly Societies Act, 1896, and the powers of the Registry of Friendly Societies in dealing with societies are of a limited character. The Chief Registrar cancelled the registration of the society, but it was restored to the register by the High Court. He is continuing to watch the affairs of the society closely.