HC Deb 12 May 1966 vol 728 c575
22. Mr. John Lee

asked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he will refer to the National Board for Prices and Incomes the emoluments payable to directors of firms subscribing to investment trusts on behalf of the directors without the shareholders being informed.

Mr. William Rodgers

No, Sir. But as my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister told the House last week, my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade is already considering what provisions might be included in the Companies Bill about these matters.

Mr. Lee

Does my hon. Friend not consider that this matter is rather more urgent and that it is important that the utmost light should be shone on the discreditable antics of the Garda and Second Premier Trust, and other instances of this kind? Would he not agree that, without this scrutiny, a national incomes policy would be unrealistic and unjustifiable?

Mr. Rodgers

I have great sympathy with what my hon. Friend says, but if we agree on the main object of any inquiry the question is what is the best possible means to achieve it. We think that the Companies Bill is the right way to go about it.

Mr. Patrick Jenkin

When will the Companies Bill be introduced? How much longer have we to wait for this really substantial amendment to company law?

Mr. Rodgers

The House will not have to wait longer than is necessary.