§ Mr. FETHERSTONHAUGHasked the President of the Board of Trade whether any investigation has been held into the affairs of the United National Friendly Assurance Collecting Society, of 108, Douglas Street, Glasgow, and with what result; has this society made any, and what, deposit under the Insurance Companies Act, 1909, or otherwise, and is it entitled to continue business and collect premiums; is he aware that this society does a considerable business among poor persons in county Fermanagh and the North of Ireland generally through agents who represent it as solvent and possessed of accumulated funds, and having complied with the Act by giving security to Government; and will any steps be taken to prevent deception of the insurers?
§ Mr. MASTERMANNo investigation has been applied for by the members of the United National Friendly Assurance Collecting Society, and therefore none has been made. The society is registered under the Friendly Societies Act, 1896, and therefore is not required to make a deposit under the Assurance Companies Act, 1909, or otherwise, and is entitled to continue business and collect premiums without making such deposit. I have no knowledge of the matters referred to in the remainder of the question.