7. Mr. WEST RUSSELLasked the President of the Board of Trade the balance number of public companies as at 1st June, 1931, who have not yet conformed with the provisions of Section 110 of the Companies Act, 1929; and why the number has not been reduced to nil after a lapse of more than five months?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMThe number of cases outstanding is now only 44, the total number of public companies being approximately 20,000. The solicitor to the Board of Trade is taking such action as may be necessary. The reasons for delay vary from case to case, but the number of public companies in arrear has been reduced to its present low figure from about 1,900 four months ago which is the earliest date at which a complete list of defaulting companies can be compiled.