§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he had received any representation from the committee of creditors or shareholders in the Law Guarantee Trust and Accident Society urging the importance of a public inquiry into the affairs of the society; and, if so, what steps, if any, he proposes to take in the matter?
Mr. BUXTONI have not received any representations from creditors of the Law Guarantee Trust and Accident Society urging the importance of a public inquiry into the affairs of the Society, but I have received several representations to this effect from shareholders. In consquence of the representations received from shareholders I carefully considered the matter and consulted the Law Officers of the Crown. I also laid before the Law Officers the statements and documents submitted by the shareholders who had made representations to me. As a result, the Law Officers advised that in the circumstances there were no steps open to the Board of Trade.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYCould not the right hon. Gentleman have asked the liquidator whether he has received a report from the Committee in favour of a public inquiry since he took the advice of the Law Officers?
Mr. BUXTONNo further facts have come to my knowledge which have a material bearing on the matter. If any do I will carefully consider them.