§ Mr. BUTCHERasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, for the convenience and information of the numerous small friendly societies whose members are, in view of the National Insurance Act, desirous of dissolving their societies, he will state what steps have to be taken; and what official or other sanction has to be obtained with a view to a dissolution of a friendly society and a proper distribution of its funds when the society is registered and when it is not?
§ Mr. MASTERMANSocieties which have applied for dissolution have been advised that this course is in no way rendered necessary or expedient by any of180W the provisions of the National Insurance Act. The Commissioners have also taken the special measures which were stated in reply to the hon. Member for Devizes on 23rd April, to inform societies contemplating dissolution of their position under the Act. Societies which still desire to dissolve are supplied with full information and the prescribed forms under Sections 78 and 79 of the Friendly Societies Act. I am sending copies of these forms to the hon. Member, and would refer him to them for the actual details of the procedure for dissolution. The Registrar of Friendly Societies has no control over unregistered societies, and there is no statutory provision governing the method of their dissolution.