HC Deb 26 May 1937 vol 324 cc274-5
43. Mr. Louis Smith

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that in the case of the Woodhouse Co-operative Society, Limited, of Sheffield, the Registrar of Friendly Societies has decided that he can take no action in respect of the alleged offences such as the wrong payment of a dividend and improper voting by unqualified persons; and whether, in so far as he cannot now take action when there has been a breach of rules and regulations, he will consider the introduction of legislation to avoid throwing on private individuals the onus of investigation and prosecution of offenders?

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Lieut.-Colonel Colville)

I am aware that the Chief Registrar of Friendly Societies has decided that he would not be justified in holding an inspection into the affairs of the society mentioned in the question. The Government cannot undertake to introduce legislation to enable legal issues of the kind referred to, which are of a civil character, to be determined at the public expense.

Mr. Smith

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman realise how very onerous the duty is upon an individual member of a co-operative society in bringing proceedings in a civil court, and, seeing that in this particular case the Registrar reports that there may have been irregularities, would he cause further investigation to be made into this case?

Lieut.-Colonel Colville

I am afraid that I could not give that undertaking. I have endeavoured to explain in my original answer that this is not, in any case, a question of criminal proceedings, and that if it is a case of civil proceedings it must be a matter for the individual, and not for the Government.

Mr. A. V. Alexander

In view of the unjustified implication in the Supplementary Question—I know the facts—will the Financial Secretary undertake to receive an official deputation from this society, unjustly accused, so that the facts may be laid before him?

Lieut.-Colonel Colville

I really think that I am not called upon to do that. I made it clear that I expressed no opinion at all on the case.