[1] The bill had its first reading in the House of Commons on 17 January 1855, presented by Thomas Sotheron MP.

[1] The bill had its second reading in the House of Commons on 17 January 1855 and was committed to a committee of the whole house,[1] which met on 14 March 1855 and reported on 28 March 1855, with amendments.

[2][3] The bill had its second reading in the House of Lords on 19 June 1855, introduced by Edward Portman, 1st Viscount Portman and was committed to a committee of the whole house,[4][3] which met and reported on 26 June 1855, with amendments.

[6][3] The amended bill was considered and agreed to by the House of Commons on 16 July 1855.

c. 60), which consolidated and amended enactments relating to friendly societies.