§ MR. O'BRIENsaid, he would beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade, Whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce any measure, during the present Session, for an official and effectual audit of the Accounts of Joint Stock Companies?
§ MR. VINCENT SCULLYsaid, he would also beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade, When he expects that the Returns as to Transatlantic Steamers ordered on the 25th of February and the 3rd of March last, will be laid before this House?
§ MR. MILNER GIBSONsaid, that it was considered that the present system of audit, in reference to the accounts of Joint Stock Companies, was both official and effective, because one-fifth of the number and value of Joint Stock Companies could require an audit to take place by order of the Board of Trade, and the accounts so obtained were available to the shareholders It was not the intention of the Government, therefore, to introduce any measure for the more effectual audit of the accounts of Joint Stock Companies. The Returns asked for by the hon. Member (Mr. Scully) were in progress, and they were only waiting for the answers of some of the owners to be sent in.
§ MR. O'BRIENsaid, that he wished to give notice that after Easter he should move a Resolution setting forth the necessity for having a more effectual system of audit in reference to the accounts of Joint Stock Companies.