HC Deb 04 March 1918 vol 103 cc1687-8
8. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked whether under the Companies (Particulars as to Directors) Act, 1917, and the operation of various other Acts the opinion of the Law Officers of the Crown is to the effect that companies must register not merely the names of the directors but the names of every other company of which they are directors; whether this obligation was unforeseen when the Act was being passed; whether he is aware that it is causing inconvenience in financial circles; and whether he can see his way to ask the Registrar to waive such particulars, pending the decision in a test case, or whether he will bring in a short Bill to remedy the grievance?

Mr. WARDLE

The advice given by the Law Officers of the Crown as to the interpretation of the Companies (Particulars as to Directors) Act, 1917. is to the effect stated by my hon. Friend. The Board of Trade have no jurisdiction to waive the requirements of the Act, but I will ask the Committee recently appointed to consider amendments in the Companies Acts to advise whether any alteration of the law would be expedient.