HC Deb 21 March 1944 vol 398 cc663-4
41. Sir Irving Albery

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will take the necessary steps to ensure that all public companies shall show in their published annual balance sheets, separ- ately, all payments and amounts reserved on account of taxation, including Excess Profits Tax.

Mr. Dalton

I will bring this suggestion to the notice of Mr. Justice Cohen's Committee on Company Law Amendment.

Sir I. Albery

In the meantime cannot the right hon. Gentleman ensure that public companies shall show these figures in their annual balance sheets?

Mr. Dalton

I have no powers to prescribe any additional information being given. As the hon. Gentleman knows, I have appointed a committee under a judge of the High Court. They are investigating the whole matter and I do not want to begin butting in until I get their Report. As I have said, I will draw then-attention to the suggestion.