HC Deb 10 February 1966 vol 724 c607
40. Mr. Handing

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will now introduce legislation to provide for better control over the financial affairs of public and private companies.

Mr. Jay

I would refer my hon. Friend to the Companies Bill which was introduced on 2nd February.

Mr. Hamling

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the provisions of the Companies Bill do not go far enough? Why have two bites at the cherry?

Mr. Jay

If my hon. Friend will make further suggestions, we shall be glad to have them.

Mr. Frederic Harris

Will the President of the Board of Trade avoid politically vindictive legislation in the future, and concentrate on a job that wants doing?

Mr. Jay

What we are seeking in this matter is equity for all sections of the community.

Mr. Barber

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that if we on these benches put down an Amendment on the lines suggested by the hon. Member for Woolwich, West (Mr. Hamling), it will not be treated as a matter of tomfoolery?

Mr. Jay

That is a wholly hypothetical question.