§ 52. Mr. DAYasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of complaints received by the Metropolitan Police for the three years ended to the last convenient date, with regard to defalcations in connection with various slate, loan, and other benefit clubs, and the total amount of money involved; and whether he will further consider the introduction of legislation to regulate and control all similar sharing-out clubs?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEThe number of complaints received by the Metropolitan Police with regard to defalcations and fraud in connection with slate, loan and benefit clubs for the three years ended 31st October, 1936, was 61, and the total amount involved was £7,678. The question of taking statutory power to control such clubs has often been considered, but no workable scheme of compulsory control has been found. A National Savings Club scheme was, however, started in 1934 by the National Savings Movement, in co-operation with the Post Office and trustee savings banks. This scheme provides simple model rules for adoption by any club that so desires, and has been adopted by nearly 2,000 clubs.
§ Mr. DAYCan the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether the Government will give facilities for a Bill similar to the one which passed its Second Reading unopposed in this House?
§ Mr. ELLIS SMITHIs the Financial Secretary aware that most of these clubs are run by working-class people and the standard of honesty is as high as it possibly can be?