Company Law Reform Bill

Kate Hoey
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what his definition is of a proper purpose for inspection of a company register of members under the provisions of the Company Law Reform Bill.

Margaret Hodge
The Bill does not define what is a proper purpose.

Kate Hoey
To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry under what circumstances a company could refuse to disclose information on its members under the provisions of the Company Law Reform Bill.

Margaret Hodge
Under clause 116 of the Bill, a request to inspect or to be provided with a copy of a company’s register of members must include the purpose for which the information is to be used. The company must either meet the request within five working days or apply to a court. The court will direct the company not to comply with the request if it is satisfied that it is not sought for a proper purpose.