§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of facts recently disclosed in the Law Courts relating to the affairs of the Law Guarantee Trust and Accident Society, Limited, he will reconsider the question of taking the necessary steps to secure a compulsory winding-up and a public investigation into the affairs of that company?
Mr. BUXTONBefore this question was put down the matter referred to was receiving my careful consideration. As at present advised, I doubt whether the position is altered by the evidence given in the recent proceedings. As I have repeatedly stated, the statute provides that the Court shall not make a winding-up order on the petition of the Official Receiver unless it is staisfied that the voluntary winding-up cannot be continued with due regard to the interests of the creditors or contributories. I have, however, given instructions that a further case to advise should be laid before the Law Officers of the Crown.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Lord Chief Justice has expressed the opinion that there is a strong case for searching investigation into the affairs of this company? Is he also aware that with regard to the affairs of a company of which I happened to be chairman, and which accidentally went into liquidation, there was not this reticence on the part of the authorities to investigate matters?
Mr. BUXTONThere has been no reticence on the part of the Board of Trade. So far as the specific case is concerned, I took the advice of the Law Officers some time ago, and it was against our taking any action. I have asked them again to give me further advice in consequence of what occurred the other day in the Law Courts.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYI shall put the question down again.