§ 14. Sir BERTRAM FALLEasked the President of the Board of Trade the number of companies which on 2nd February had failed to comply with the provisions of Section 108 of the Companies Act, 1929; and will he take steps for the protection of the public to see that the law is obeyed?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. William Graham)The number of companies other than private companies which at the close of business on the 31st January had not filed with the Registrar of Companies an annual return for the calendar year 1930 was 1,884. Letters are being sent by the Registrar to these companies and in cases where this procedure does not secure the return the defaulting company will be 1603 reported to the Solicitor to the Board of Trade who will take such action as may be necessary.
§ Mr. ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUELIn view of the fact that the number is very much the same as for the corresponding period 12 months ago, is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the machinery of the Board of Trade is adequate to deal with this matter so that law shall be obeyed punctually?
§ Mr. GRAHAMThis position is very much better than it was 12 months ago. I am quite satisfied that the machinery of the Board of Trade is adequate and I am satisfied that the number will be very substantially reduced within the next two or three weeks.