§ MR. STANSFELD (Halifax)I beg to ask the Attorney General whether his attention has been drawn to any recent advertisements or prospectuses of companies in which it is stated that applicants for shares shall be deemed "absolutely to waive all rights to compensation under 'The Directors' Liability Act, 1890;'" and whether such an announcement is an evasion of the provisions of that Act?
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (Sir R. WEBSTER,) Isle of WightMy attention has not been called to any such advertisements or prospectuses, but, having regard to the practices which were attempted under the Act of 1867, I think it quite possible that such advertisements may have been issued. The practice would rather be an avoiding than an evasion of the Act of 1890. It would not be a criminal offence.
§ SIR G. CAMPBELL (Kirkcaldy, &c.)May I ask if it is the duty of any public official to prosecute for such an avoidance of the law?
§ SIR R. WEBSTERIt would not be my duty to institute a prosecution.