§ 24. Mr. HURDasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the functions of the Registrar of Friendly Societies in respect to trade union ballots; and whether, in view of the assurance of the Secretary of State for India that overwhelming evidence is in possession of the Government of the fraudulent taking of votes and the putting in of bogus returns, the. Government will give the Registrar supervisory power to remedy this abuse?
§ Mr. BETTERTONI have been asked to reply. The functions of the Chief Registrar of Friendly Societies in regard to trade union ballots are restricted to ballots taken under the Trade Union Act, 1913, as to political objects. Such ballots have to be taken under rules approved by the Registrar. With regard to the second part of the question I am not in a position to make any statement on the matter.
§ Mr. HURDDoes the hon. Gentleman think that after the statement of the Secretary of State for India that the matter should be left where it stands?
§ Mr. BETTERTONCertainly I would not presume to challenge, or express any comment on, any speech or statement of the kind made.
§ Mr. RAMSAY MacDONALDWas the statement by the Secretary for India made after consultation with the hon. Gentleman's Department?
§ Mr. BETTERTONNo, Sir, certainly not after consultation with me, and not as far as I know with my Department.
§ Captain WEDGWOOD BENNCan the hon. Gentleman say whether the Government have any legislation in prospect, and, if so, when it will be announced?
§ Mr. BETTERTONAs I have indicated, I cannot make any statement in regard to that matter.