§ Mr. HICKS BEACHasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether, under Section 33 of the Friendly Societies Act of 1896, registered friendly societies are exempted from Stamp Duty on cheques and receipts; and whether approved sections of friendly societies are entitled to the same privilege?
Mr. ROBERTSONSection 33 of the Friendly Societies Act, 1896, exempts from Stamp Duty, drafts, orders or receipts given by or to a registered friendly society in respect of money payable by virtue of its rules or of the Act. Where an approved society is not a friendly society, but a section of a friendly society, the exemption is not regarded as applicable. The question of extending the exemption to approved societies generally in respect of National Insurance Act business is under consideration.