HC Deb 14 November 1912 vol 43 cc2095-6W
Mr. STEPHEN WALSH

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he has received any resolutions from societies connected with the United Friendly Societies' Council for St. Helens protesting against the constitution of the provisional insurance committee for St. Helens; whether he is aware that the societies in question nominated certain persons to represent them on the committee, but not a single one has been chosen, other persons having been selected, and that there are at least three societies in the town with over 1,000 members each who have been ignored altogether; will he state why it was that, although the societies were requested to nominate representatives, none of their nominees have been appointed; and will he take steps to have the representation on the committee put on a fairer basis?

Mr. MASTERMAN

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The procedure, and the reasons for adopting it, were fully explained in a Memorandum issued by the Commissioners, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy. Steps will be taken as soon as possible, and in any case not later than the 15th of July next, for conferring on the approved societies which have members resident in the borough the power of appointing the representatives of such members.