§ Lord Sefton of Garstonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will take steps to ensure that the sale of a "Royal" title will not take place as a result of a decision of some members of the Royal Automobile Club. [HL1763]
§ Lord Williams of MostynThere is nothing in current legislation to prevent the sale of company names. If part of the Royal Automobile Club were sold to new owners, there would be no requirement for approval to be sought for continued use of the name, although the existing and new companies would be prevented under Section 26(1)(c) of the Companies Act 1985 from registering under the same corporate title. If the name were amended in any way, the company would need to apply to the Home Office for a letter of non-objection to use of the new name. Consideration would be given to any application in accordance with the normal criteria.