§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT as much detailed information as is available showing since the inception the dates when the Dollar Land Holdings issued its company reports and accounts; whether on each occasion these were correctly agreed and signed by the auditors; and whether at all times duly accredited directors were in appointment.
§ Mr. NobleNo. The information is available for inspection on the company's public file at the Companies Registration Office.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) whether he is aware that the accounts of 44W the Dollar Land Holdings published as long as two years in arrears by the company, in contravention of the Companies Act, show that, contrary to the Act, from 1st January, 1970, to 4th June, 1970, there were no legally appointed directors and yet fees were paid; and whether he will cause an investigation to be made under the Companies Act with consideration for eventual prosecution;
(2) on what date he received the communication from the hon. Member for West Ham, North, dated 27th September, together with the 1970 and 1971 report and accounts of the Dollar Land Holdings Limited; and what action he has taken, or intends taking, to enforce the Companies Act, in view of the evidence of the breaking of the law by this company as evidenced in the company's report.
§ Mr. NobleThe hon. Member's letter was received on 28th September and a detailed reply, to which I have nothing to add, was sent on 11th October.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether, in the light of the Parliamentary Commissioner's Report on the Dollar Land Holdings Company Limited, and the action of the Department of Trade, he will now agree to meet a deputation of shareholders, accountants, barristers and Members of Parliament to discuss this and other cases.
§ Mr. NobleNo, I do not consider that this would serve a useful purpose, but I have already written to the hon. Member offering to discuss with him any constructive points which he may wish to make on these matters.