§ Mr. Geoffrey Lloydasked the President of the Board of Trade what consideration he is giving, in connection with his proposals for reforming British company law, to the assimilation of such law to that of the European Economic Community and European Free Trade Association countries.
§ Mr. JayI recognise the importance in the long term of the harmonisation of company law in Western Europe; but, in276W preparing legislation for introduction in the early stages of this Parliament, it will be necessary to distinguish between long-term objectives of this kind and this country's more immediate requirements.
§ Mr. Geoffrey Lloydasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will seek discussions with other European countries on the amendment of company law to facilitate international groupings.
§ Mr. JayWhile I am interested in developments in other countries affecting company law, I do not propose to seek discussions on this particular subject at the present time.