HC Deb 17 October 1944 vol 403 cc2202-3
66. Mr. Barnes

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the directors of the Leeds Co-operative Society have again applied to the Registrar-General for a further dispensation to suspend the election of officers of that society; that the overwhelming majority of co-operative societies registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act have not found it necessary to avail themselves of the facilities afforded under the Act to suspend their election of officer; and whether he will state the reasons which have influenced the Registrar-General to agree to this suspension.

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Assheton)

Under the Societies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1940, the Chief Registrar of Friendly Societies can vary the rules of a society, if he is satis- fled that owing to circumstances arising out of the war it is expedient to do so, so as to continue in office temporarily officers whose appointments would otherwise have determined. The Chief Registrar, after hearing representations from the Leeds Co-operative Society and objections from certain members, has authorised under these powers the continuance in office of officers whose appointments would have determined at an election in February, 1944, and a similar application in respect of an election in February, 1945, is at present under consideration.

Mr. Barnes

Is the Financial Secretary aware that it was the knowledge of the facts he has stated which led to this Question, and will he be good enough to state the reasons why the powers under this Act have been used in the case of Leeds when there have been no exceptional circumstances arising from the war affecting that city?

Mr. Assheton

The Chief Registrar of Friendly Societies exercises a quasi-judicial function as a result of the Act which this House passed, and it is not for me to give the reasons which were in his mind when he came to this decision.

Mr. Barnes

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.