§ Mr. GardinerTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will bring the audit requirements for industrial and provident societies in line with those of registered companies. [129273]
(2) if he will amend the requirement on industrial and provident societies wanting to publish interim accounts to undertake a full audit. [129274]
§ Ruth KellyThe Government is keen to see, where appropriate, a level playing field between industrial and provident societies and companies. We continue to examine the options for taking forward this agenda. However, in order to provide for a strategic, consistent and up-to-date approach between companies and societies, the Government believes that the general modernisation of industrial and provident society legislation in this area should be considered in light of the Department of Trade and Industry's Company Law Review.