§ 16. Sir J. D. REESasked the Under-Secretary for India whether he is aware 1053 that the Bill to amend the Indian Companies Act, 1913, introduced into the Legislative Council of the Governor-General, closely concerns the interests of business firms partly or wholly domiciled in England; that certain of its provisions are, in the opinion of business men, likely to have injurious effects both in India and in this country, particularly those relating to the appointment of directors; whether the Report of the Select Committee has been before the Secretary of State in Council; and whether he will inform himself of the opinion held in England upon the Bill, and suggest to the Governor-General in Council that its passage into law may in the meanwhile, with advantage, be postponed?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe Bill to which the hon. Member refers has not yet been introduced into the Imperial Legislative Council, and will not be proceeded with until the winter. Meanwhile, its preliminary publication will give firms in this country whose interests may be affected ample opportunity of studying its provisions and of representing their views to the Government of India. The Select Committee in reporting the Bill which has become law as the Indian Companies Act recommended supplementary legislation of the kind now proposed.
§ Sir J. D. REESMust representations on this subject be made to the Secretary of State in Council or must they be addressed to the Government of India directly? It makes a difference.
§ Mr. MONTAGUI think they had better be addressed to the Government of India, and if the hon. Member desires to bring before that Government any views he may have, I shall be only too glad to assist him by forwarding them.