§ Mr. BAKERasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that since 1913 it has become increasingly difficult for qualified members of the Corporation of Accountants, 1544W Glasgow, the London Association of Accountants, and Central Association of Accountants, London, to act as auditors of registered companies in India because the Government insists that, in addition to passing the examination, candidates for licences must become apprentices to one of the few practising accountants chosen by the Government; and whether he will make representations to the Government of India with a view to the removal of this stipulation?
§ Mr. RICHARDSMy noble Friend is aware that members of the three bodies mentioned are not allowed to act as auditors of registered bodies in India without a certificate given by a local Government after the production of evidence of at least five years' adequate practical experience. The matter is not one in which my noble Friend is prepared to interfere with the discretion of the Government of India.