§ Mr. LUNDONasked the Secretary to the Treasury when the United National Friendly Assurance Company, Limited, Glasgow, was founded; whether it was formed for the purpose of acquiring the business of another firm which had failed, or if it began business on its own account; what were the names of the promoters; what was the capital of the company, how much is now paid up; was any deposit made by this company to enable it to carry on life assurance business; can he state its present financial position, and say whether it has ever paid a dividend on its share capital; and, if so, when and how much?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe United National Friendly Assurance Company, Ltd., Glasgow, is not registered under any Act administered by the Registrar of Friendly Societies. There are, however, two registered societies with somewhat similar names; the United National Friendly Assurance Collecting Society, 108, Douglas Street, Blythewood Square, 1369W Glasgow, registered under the Friendly Societies Act, 1896, on the 13th December, 1909; and the National United Insurance Society, Ltd., 108, Douglas Street, Blythe-wood Square, Glasgow, registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act, 1893, on the 16th December, 1909. I am informed that neither society was formed for the purpose of acquiring any other business. Both societies are practically under the same management. The names of the directors of the National United Insurance Society, Ltd., are:— James M'Vey, Chairman; D. M'Gregor, -J. Timoney, F. Greenhill, R. M'Gregor, J. M'Namee, A. McCann, J. Kelly, E. McMahon, D. O'Gallaghan. A society registered under the Friendly Societies Act, 1896, has no share capital, but the Industrial and Provident Society has issued 3,738 shares upon which£2,078 2s. 6d. had been paid up on 31st December, 1911, and had not at that time paid a dividend. A registered friendly society is not required to make a deposit to enable it to carry on life assurance business, and no such business is now carried on by the Industrial and Provident Society.