HC Deb 27 January 1931 vol 247 cc796-7
Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE

I beg to move: That leave be given to bring in a Bill to ensure the proper financial control and management of sharing-out clubs. The Bill which I wish to introduce is, I think, entirely non-controversial and deals with the financial control of sharing-out clubs. I introduced a Bill last year on similar lines, but, unfortunately, owing to pressure of business, I was not successful in getting it passed. In view of the large number of communications which I have received from all over the country, I hope that the House will now give me leave to bring in this Bill. I think we are all agreed that it is high time that something was done to protect the people who subscribe small sums to these clubs, from secretaries who are incompetent or careless, or possibly, dishonest. Cases are continually being reported especially about Christmas time in which large sums of money subscribed by poor people have been lost. Out of many such cases I only propose to trouble the House with a few. [HON. MEMBERS: "Agreed!"] If the Bill is agreed, I do not propose to take up the time of the House with any arguments.

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill ordered to be brought in by Mr. D. G. Somerville, Mr. West Russell, Rear-Admiral Beamish, Mr. Oliver Baldwin, Mr. Bromley, Mr. HoreBelisha, Dr. Morris-Jones, and Major Nathan.