§ Mr. Cockeramasked the Secretary of State for Trade whether, on the introduction of section 29 of the Companies Act 1981 any period of grace will be allowed for the utilisation of existing stationery.
§ Mrs. Sally OppenheimThe business community has been aware for many months of this impending change in the law, and the Act became law on 13 October 1981. Part of the information to be disclosed is already required to be shown on business letters under the Registration of Business Names Act and in some cases no modification may be required. In many other cases it should be possible to modify existing stocks of stationery to meet the new requirements at very little cost. I do not consider that further delay in commencement would be justified and this part of the Act will accordingly be brought into operation on 26 February. Once commenced, there is no statutory provision for a period of grace in relation to particular circumstances, but my Department will exercise its enforcement responsibilities sensibly while business is becoming familiar with the new law.
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