§ Mr. Gordon Brownasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what steps he takes to ensure proper declaration of donations by foreign-owned companies to British political parties;
(2) if he is satisfied with the operation of section 19 of section of the Companies Act 1967; and if he will make a statement;
(3) if he will take further steps to regulate the declaration of donations by foreign-owned companies to British political parties; and if he will make a statement;
(4) what information he has as to the level of donations ' by foreign-owned and foreign registered companies to British political parties; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FletcherThe Companies Acts, and section 19 of the 1967 Act in particular, apply to all British-registered companies, regardless of the nationality of any of their shareholders. Information is not compiled separately for foreign-owned companies, and could not be obtained without disproprortionate expense. Foreign-registered companies without a place of business in the United Kingdom are not subject to the Acts.
On the information availble to me I am satisfied. with the operation of the law as it stands.