asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been drawn to the prosecution at the Scunthorpe Police Court, on 10th May, 1935, of two employes of the Scunthorpe Co-operative Society for stealing a wireless set, the property of the society; and whether he is aware that during the course of the proceedings it was disclosed that there was no proper book-keeping, checking of accounts, or audit; and whether he will institute an inquiry into the management of this society, in order to protect the interest of its 18,000 members, most of whom are drawn from the working classes?

have seen a newspaper account of these proceedings and I understand that the auditor's attention has already been drawn to the matter by the society. The Chief Registrar of Friendly Societies has no power to institute an inquiry except on the request of members of the society, supported by evidence on the matters which, they think, warrant an inquiry.

Do I understand that my hon. Friend is satisfied that an inquiry should take place, and, if so, does he not consider the matter of such vital importance as to call for his making such overtures himself as will result in an automatic inquiry into the whole of the proceedings of this case, together with others which are nothing more or less than a pernicious system of public robbery?

No, Sir. I am not satisfied that an inquiry should take place, and, if I were, it is no part of my duty to take any action.

Will my hon. Friend not consult the Home Secretary to ensure that papers are called for to ascertain whether or not the case merits a public inquiry?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this type of theft is not peculiar to co-operative societies?

Are not the cooperative societies the only people who plead custom of trade when charged with irregularities?

In view of the very unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that. I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.