§ Mr. FALCONERasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been directed to a statement issued by the Insurance Commissioners for Scotland to members of the Associated Women's Friendly Society; whether the issue of such a statement by the Commission is an interference with the right of absolute control and management of the society vested under the Act in its members acting through their committee of management; whether there is any legislative or other authority for such interference; and whether the issue of such a statement is inconsistent with the proper discharge of the duty imposed on the Commissioners of determining disputes between the society and its members?
§ Mr. WEDGWOOD BENNThe conditions under which a transfer value may be passed, notwithstanding that consent to transfer has been refused by the member's original society, are governed by Section 31 of the Act of 1911, and the statement of the Scottish Insurance Commissioners to which my hon. Friend refers related to administrative action under that Section. As my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, the Section contemplates that the burden of proof that refusal of consent to an individual application for transfer is not unreasonable should fall upon the approved society and not upon the member concerned.