§ Mr. CAUTLEYasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the number of companies now registered at Somerset House which comply with the three following conditions, namely, is registered under the Companies Acts, 1908 to 1917, has not more than 50 shareholders, and has not issued any of its shares as a result of a public invitation to subscribe for shares; and what proportion does such number bear to the total number of companies limited by shares and now registered at Somerset House and classed, as live companies?
§ Mr. BALDWINI have been asked to reply. The total number of companies registered with the Registrar of Companies which are now in operation in England and Scotland, and have a share capital, is approximately 78,000. Of those companies, about 60,000 are private companies within the meaning of the Companies Acts, 1908 to 1917, having not more than 50 shareholders, exclusive of employés, and not having issued an invitation to the public to subscribe for shares.