§ Mr. HAROLD SMITHasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the allegations against the management of the United Malaysian Rubber Company, and to the fact that 40 per cent, of the British shareholders desire a Board of Trade inquiry; and whether, under these circumstances, the Board has any power to order such an inquiry?
Mr. BUXTONThe only power of the Board of Trade to direct an investigation into the affairs of a company which is not in liqiudation, is that conferred upon them by Section 109 of the Companies (Consolidation) Act, 1908, under which they may appoint an inspector to investigate the affairs of a company on the application of members holding not less 833W than one-tenth of the shares issued. No such application has been made to the Board in this case, and consequently their jurisdiction to appoint an inspector has not arisen.