§ Mr. CHARLES ROBERTSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, under Section 109 of the Companies (Consolidation) Act, 1908, the Board of Trade has power to appoint inspectors to investigate the affairs of any company whatever, whether in voluntary liquidation or not, and to report thereon in such manner as the Board direct on the application of members holding one-tenth of the shares issued, if supported by appropriate evidence, and on necessary guarantees being given as to the costs of the inquiry; whether, in the case of the Law Guarantee Trust and Accident Society, Limited, he would be prepared to exercise these powers of the Board if the conditions precedent were complied with; and whether, as under the terms of the section the investigation may be in such manner as the Board direct, he would, in that case, direct that a public investigation should be made?
Mr. BUXTONAs at present advised, I do not think the Board of Trade have the power suggested. As regards the Law Guarantee Trust and Accident Society I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for South Hackney on 29th June, of which I am sending him a copy.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYWould the right hon. Gentleman take the opinion of the Law Officers as to whether or not the Board of Trade has this power?
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYDoes the right hon. Gentleman mean as at present advised by the Law Officers or by laymen?