HC Deb 15 February 1989 vol 147 c238W
21. Mrs. Clwyd

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he has any plans to increase the power of shareholders in company decision-making.

Mr. Maude

No, but the Government intend to bring forward amendments to the Companies Bill which will enable shareholders of private companies to decide whether certain internal procedures should apply in their company. Similarly the Government intend to bring forward amendments to widen the scope of section 459 of the Act so that a shareholder may apply to the court for an order on the ground that the company's affairs are being, or have been, conducted in a manner which is unfairly prejudicial to the members of the company in general.