HC Deb 05 November 1929 vol 231 c820
24. Mr. GRAHAM WHITE

asked the President of the Board of Trade on the latest convenient date, the number of limited companies which have failed to make their annual return to the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies in accordance with the Companies Acts?

Mr. W. GRAHAM

The great bulk of the cases in which the annual return is delayed are cases of companies which, as the result of applications for the return, are found to have ceased to carry on business and which are accordingly struck off the register in due course. On 1st November there were 240 cases of failure to file the return for 1928 which had not been disposed of, but the number diminishes daily. I may add that the total number of companies on the Register at the end of 1928 was 107,500.

Mr. WHITE

In view of the importance of this matter, and having regard to certain recent events, is the right hon. Gentleman taking special steps to ensure that these companies will be dealt with?

Mr. GRAHAM

As my hon. Friend suggests this is a subject for fresh consideration, then all the points he has in mind will be considered.