§ 25. Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the President of the Board of Trade if he will introduce legislation to give effect to outstanding recommendations of the Jenkins Committee on company law reform in the current session of Parliament.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantAs stated in the Queen's Speech, the Government are reviewing company law. We will consider the outstanding recommendations of the Jenkins Committee and the desirability and timing of further legislation, and will announce our conclusions later.
§ Mr. Bruce-GardyneWill my hon. Friend bear in mind that, as far as I know, no Government have ever found time to introduce two companies Bills? Will he therefore try to ensure that this companies Bill, when it comes forward, deals with all the extra protection recommended by the Jenkins Committee for the minority shareholder in publicly-owned companies, and preferably goes further than Jenkins, so that we can have companies legislation which is a spur to the sort of share-owning democracy that we on this side so urgently want to see?
§ Mr. GrantI am well aware of my hon. Friend's interest in and knowledge of this subject—we served together on the Committee some years ago—and he may rest assured that we shall bear in mind the advice he has proffered.
§ Mr. DellWhat further action does the Parliamentary Secretary intend to take in the matter of disclosure by large companies?
§ Mr. GrantThis is one of the matters which are to be considered in our review which is taking place.