Mr. NEWDEGATEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that, although modifications in the benefits to be given by the Midland Railway Friendly Society had been proposed, yet that since these modifications had not, up to the present, been passed by the Registrar of Friendly Societies and the Insurance Commission, the Midland Railway Friendly Society is acting legally in paying Mr. Birkin, Registered No. B2577, the sum of Is. 3d. a week superannuation 626W benefit instead of 5s. a week for which he contracted when compelled to become a subscriber to that society when entering the service of the Midland Railway Company over thirty-two years ago; whether, since the reduction of benefits has not yet been formally agreed to by the Registrar of Friendly Societies and the Insurance Commissioners, he will institute an inquiry into the matter, with a view to preventing injustice to members of that society; and whether he is aware that the society gave out to its members that the coming into force of the National Insurance Act was the reason for altering the benefits of the society?
§ Mr. MASTERMANWhether the society referred to was entitled to act on the duly adopted amendments before registration, and what the effect of subsequent registration would be is a question of law. The member complaining has a remedy under the dispute rule in the society's rules, and the dispute can also be referred by consent to the Registrar under Section 68 (3) of the Friendly Societies Act. I am unable to express an opinion on the legal position in answer to a Parliamentary question. The time of the National Insurance Act coming into operation was, I believe, taken as a convenient occasion for effecting a reorganisation which would at some time have been necessary in any event; but as I have stated on several occasions the changes referred to in the question were not due in any way to that Act, but to large deficiencies in the funds entirely unconnected with it.