HC Deb 30 April 1984 vol 59 c10W
Mr. Gordon Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what steps he takes to ensure proper declaration of donations by foreign-owned companies to British political parties;

(2) if he is satisfied with the operation of section 19 of section of the Companies Act 1967; and if he will make a statement;

(3) if he will take further steps to regulate the declaration of donations by foreign-owned companies to British political parties; and if he will make a statement;

(4) what information he has as to the level of donations ' by foreign-owned and foreign registered companies to British political parties; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Fletcher

The Companies Acts, and section 19 of the 1967 Act in particular, apply to all British-registered companies, regardless of the nationality of any of their shareholders. Information is not compiled separately for foreign-owned companies, and could not be obtained without disproprortionate expense. Foreign-registered companies without a place of business in the United Kingdom are not subject to the Acts.

On the information availble to me I am satisfied. with the operation of the law as it stands.