§ 19 and 20. Mr. MARCUSasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether, in order to eliminate undesirable company directors, he will take legislative steps to compel directors to obtain licences or certificates which could be suspended or cancelled in cases of proved incompetence, misconduct, carelessness, or negligence, as is done in the case of solicitors, doctors, and others;
(2) whether, in view of the fact that the present system of electing company directors, who are nominated by the others, is unsatisfactory, he will take steps to compel all candidates to state their technical, business, professional, or other qualifications and experience before election?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMThe election of directors of a company is a matter to be dealt with in its articles of association. I regret that I cannot undertake to introduce legislation with the object of giving effect to my hon. Friend's proposals. It is open to the shareholders to make such inquiry regarding the qualifications of proposed directors as they think fit.