§ 48. Mr. John Wellsasked the President of the Board of Trade how many persons are employed or retained by his Department who can act as inspectors of companies; what their salaries or retainer fees were during the last convient period; and what are their qualifications.
§ Mr. Mason:In the main the Board of Trade appoint practising barristers and accountants as inspectors under Section 164 and 165 of the Companies Act, 1948, to investigate the affairs of companies. Officers of the Board are appointed in 109W appropriate cases and also in cases in which the Board inspects the books and papers of companies under Section 109 of the Companies Act, 1967, 16 officers of the Board are engaged in such work and, if necessary, the services of others can be drawn upon. Their annual salaries vary from £2,500 to £4,400. 11 of these officers are qualified accountants or secretaries and 5 are qualified lawyers.