HC Deb 29 June 1943 vol 390 cc1458-9
33. Mr. Rhys Davies

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many prosecutions have been instituted for infringements of Section 145 of the Companies Act, 1929; and what steps are usually adopted to see that the provisions of this Section are implemented?

Mr. Dalton

Proceedings have been instituted, or initiated, by the Board of Trade against 172 persons in respect of 73 companies for infringement of this Section. The Board investigate all cases brought to their notice in which it is alleged that the Section has been infringed. The usual procedure is to bring the complaint to the notice of the company concerned. Proceedings are instituted only in serious cases or when a warning has been disregarded.

Mr. Davies

Is it not a fact that this piece of legislation is not implemented in general, and, if I give my right hon. Friend a batch of documents, will he look at them?

Mr. Dalton

I shall be very glad to study any papers my hon. Friend gives me, but my own understanding is that this Section is faithfully carried out by the vast majority of those concerned.