HC Deb 17 March 1926 vol 193 cc425-6
61. Colonel WOODCOCK

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is prepared to recommend that a commission be set up to investigate and submit a Report, making suggestions for suitable legislation dealing with the protection of small investors who are constantly being made the victims of financial loss in bogus companies, many of which are unregistered in this country?

62. Captain GARRO-JONES

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that small investors throughout the country are subject to very considerable financial loss owing to the activities of brokers not affiliated to any recognised stock exchange, he will appoint a Committee to investigate the matter and to put forward concrete suggestions for legislation which will make such operations impossible?

Mr. A. M. SAMUEL (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)

I will answer these questions together. The matters referred to are already under consideration by the Departmental Committee now sitting.

Mr. A. V. ALEXANDER

When is that Report likely to be received?

Mr. SAMUEL

I can speak only from memory, but I think the evidence has been taken, and the Committee are now considering their Report.

Colonel WOODCOCK

Is my hon. Friend aware that in the meantime many people are losing money, which is going out of this country?

Mr. SAMUEL

That is so, but it is very difficult to protect innocent people against rogues.