39. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that friendly societies generally view with considerable alarm the proposal of the National Economy Committee that a charge should be imposed upon them for complying with their legal obligations in the matter of making returns; and is he willing to receive a deputation representative of the societies affected before the Government comes to any decision on this matter?
§ Sir R. HORNEI have received representations on the lines indicated in the 1529 first part of the question, and hope to be able to receive a deputation representing the societies affected.