HC Deb 07 May 1925 vol 183 cc1121-2
35. Mr. MARCH

asked the Home Secretary what amount of contributions has been paid by the members of the Loyal Order of Ancient Shepherds (Ashton Unity) for sickness benefit and funeral benefit for each year since 1882 up to the last available return; and what amount has been paid to the members in sickness benefit and funeral benefit each year during the same period?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Guinness)

The records for the years up to 1914 have now been destroyed. As this society has 900 branches, preparation of the figures required for the last 10 years would involve the examination of 9, 000 files, and I do not think that the result would justify the labour and expense involved.

Mr. MARCH

Is not the society registered, and could not the right hon. Gentleman get the returns from the whole of the branches from the Central Office?

Mr. GUINNESS

This is the information that has been given to me. If the answer the hon. Gentleman requires could have been got with a small amount of labour it certainly would have been got.

Mr. MARCH

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire whether he cannot get these returns from the Central Office?

Mr. GUINNESS

I will ask again.

Mr. MARCH

Thank you.