§ Sir H. Williamsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the urgent need for emergency legislation in respect of registered friendly societies; whether he hopes to be able to introduce the necessary Bill before Christmas; and whether, he can at present give any advance information as to the contents of the contemplated Bill?
§ Sir J. SimonYes, Sir; legislation of the kind suggested is at present under consideration. It will not be possible to introduce it before Christmas and I am not at present in a position to give information as to its scope except to say that proposals designed to facilitate, as was done during the last war, the carrying on of the business of societies by enabling meetings and valuations to be suspended, or dispensed with are receiving consideration.