§ 23. Mr. du Cannasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will now make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's proposals for regulating the solicitation of money deposits by companies from members of the public by advertisement and circulars.
§ Mr. N. MacphersonMy right hon. Friend will make a statement as soon as he is in a position to do so.
§ Mr. du CannWith great respect to my hon. Friend, that is a most disappointing reply. Is he aware that a specific promise was made in the House just over 12 months ago that we should definitely have legislation in the current Session of Parliament? The need for it has been obvious for much longer than that. It is probably true to say that upwards of £1 million at the very least must have been lost by small investors because there has not been protective legislation. Can my hon. Friend give us a firm indication when we may now expect it?
§ Mr. MacphersonWith his wide knowledge of these things, my hon. Friend will realise that this is a very complicated matter. I assure him that we are getting on with this as quickly as we can.