MR. FIELDI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the recent revelations as to the promotion of limited liability companies; whether the Government will introduce the Companies Act early next Session; whether, in the meantime, any action can be taken by the Government to protect investors; and whether the Public Prosecutor will be instructed to act in cases where fraudulent promotion has been proved?
§ MR. AKERS DOUGLASThe Board of Trade have seen in the newspapers an account of the matters to which the honourable Member probably refers. My right honourable Friend is not able to give any pledge as to legislation next Session. Meanwhile, if it is desirable to address any communication to the Public Prosecutor, that step will be taken, but the Board of Trade have no power to give the Public Prosecutor any instruction.