asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been called to the statement of a magistrate that 20 men have committed suicide in the last few months in consequence of their positions as secretaries or treasurers of slate clubs, apart from many others found guilty of defalcations in similar capacities; and whether he will inquire into the constitution and arrangements of such clubs?

I have seen a Press report of the statement referred to. As already stated by my predecessors, I do not think that any attempt at State control of these clubs would be practicable or effective.