§ 58. Mr. CLOUGHasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the disastrous financial effects on friendly societies generally due to war liabilities; and whether he has considered the possibility of contributing in any way financially to enable them to meet their obligations without undue strain upon their membership?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am afraid that it is quite out of the question for the State to contribute towards the benefits granted by friendly societies outside the scope of the National Insurance Acts. There is no information in my possession to cause me to think that the friendly societies have suffered disastrous financial effects.