§ 58. General CROFTasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the fact that a circular letter has been sent to the electors of the new Putney Division; that accompanying that letter was a further circular from the Conservative and Unionist Association urging electors to join that association, the minimum subscription of which is 1s., and promising a free coupon to each subscribing member for £1,000 insurance in omnibus, tram, train, or cab accidents; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent such action?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Bonar Law)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am advised that no breach of the law is committed, and no action is contemplated in the matter.
§ General CROFTDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that the effect of this will be that if there are 100 accidents in Putney division, £100,000 will be paid; and if such a custom is to become general, it will be absolutely impossible for a poor association or candidate to stand for Parliament?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI do not know enough about the facts to argue on the morality of it. As I understand it, from the knowledge I have, everyone to whom this circular is circulated has to pay a subscription, and the insurance is paid out of that subscription.
§ Sir R. COOPERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the amount of the minimum subscription is not enough to cover the risks involved in this offer?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI think that is wrong. I think the same sort of thing is done by many newspapers, and I presume the subscription more, than covers the risks involved.
§ Mr. PRINGLEThis is for a year.
§ General CROFTWill the right hon. Gentleman look into the whole matter and get hold of the facts, because it seems to involve a great principle?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWAs I understand it, the issue is whether something in the nature of a bribe was offered.