HC Deb 27 July 1933 vol 280 cc2771-2
57. Mr. CONANT

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been drawn by the Chief Registrar of Friendly Societies to the recent payment by the Derbyshire Miners' Association of £995 in legal charges on behalf of one individual and whether he will institute an inquiry into the matter?

Mr. HUDSON

I have been asked to reply. I understand that information on this matter was recently laid before the Chief Registrar of Friendly Societies and is under consideration by him.

Mr. CONANT

Is the hon. Member aware that the individual on whose behalf this very large payment was made has been in no way connected with the coal trade for the past six years, and that the legal case on which the money was expended was in no way connected with union affairs; and does he not think some very urgent inquiry is necessary to prevent the dissipation of funds in this manner?

Mr. HUDSON

As I have said, the matter has been under the consideration of the Chief Registrar.

Captain CROOKSHANK

Is the hon. Member also aware that counsel was paid a fee of over £300 in this case, and is there any evidence to show that any of the miners who subscribed the money were consulted at all?

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Derbyshire Miners' Association have no control over the trade union terms of the legal profession?