§ 2. Lieut.-Colonel POWNALLasked the President of the Board of Trade how many persons are now employed in connection with the Registration of Business Names Act; whether this Department is now being run at a loss; if so, of how much annually; and whether, should there be a loss, he will consider the possibility of either discontinuing the Department or increasing the fees to make it self-supporting?
§ Mr. BALDWINThe number of persons, including messengers, employed in the Registry of Business Names is 43. The deficit for the calendar year 1921, ex- 7 clusive of rent, rates, stationery and postage, amounted to £2,305 7s. 2d. The fees were increased as from the 1st July, 1921, to the maximum authorised by the Registration of Business Names Act, 1916; and the estimated deficiency for the year 1922 is £1,500. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative, but the adoption of either course will require legislation.
§ Major MACKENZIE WOODIs it considered still necessary to continue the registration of business names? Is it worth while?
§ Mr. BALDWINThat is probably the reason why the whole matter is now being considered.