69. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the uncertainty which exists regarding the laws and regulations affecting friendly societies, he will introduce legislation for the compulsory audit of friendly societies' accounts by a public auditor; and whether consideration can be given to the whole status of friendly societies throughout the country at the present time?
§ Mr. Munro (Lord of the Treasury)I have been asked to reply. In answer to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. and gallant Friend to the hon. Member for Tamworth (Sir J. Mellor) on 28th October. With 1167 regard to the second part of the question, my right hon. and gallant Friend has no information which supports the suggestion that the whole status of friendly societies calls for consideration, but if the hon. Member has in mind certain industrial and provident societies, which are not friendly societies though sometimes so described, I would refer to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the hon. Member for Bassetlaw (Mr. Bellenger) on 4th November.