asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, in reference to the charge levied on friendly societies making returns, whether the Government will consider an amendment of the Act making permissible the rendering of consolidated returns, in order to lighten labour and to equalise the charge as between societies having many branches and those which are centralised?

This suggestion will be considered among others, although I am inclined to doubt whether it would be practicable to arrange for consolidated returns in the case of societies with separately registered branches, each of which has its own independently audited accounts.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what was the result of the deputation he received in reference to the new charge of 10s. on friendly societies making returns?

The deputation referred to was received by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer. The representations made by the deputation are under consideration.