§ MR. MARKHAMI beg to ask Mr. Attorney-General whether his attention has been drawn to the practice of undischarged bankrupts promoting companies and trading in the names of their wives; and will he introduce legislation to prevent this evasion of the criminal law.
§ THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL (Sir ROBERT FINLAY, Inverness Burghs)The practice to which the Question refers, so far as it exists, has been made possible by the Married Women's Property Acts. I do not understand the statement in the Question that the practice constitutes an evasion of the criminal law, but it is, in my opinion, highly objectionable. There would, however, be great difficulty in amending the law in the sense of the Question, but any suggestion which the hon. Member has to offer will be fully considered.
§ MR. MARKHAMWill the hon. and learned Gentleman institute an inquiry into the widespread evils arising, especially among the working classes, from this practice?
§ SIR ROBERT FINLAYAny information the hon. Gentleman can give me on the subject will be carefully considered.