Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 5 January 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 13 January 2004. It was answered by Gerry Sutcliffe (Labour) on Tuesday, 13 January 2004 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, in what circumstances she is able to take action to debar directors of companies; and what plans she has to extend those powers.

Answer: Mr. Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in what circumstances she is able to take action to debar directors of companies; and what plans she has to extend those powers. [146514] Mr. Sutcliffe: Following a company going into liquidation, administration or administrative receivership or an investigation into its affairs under the Companies Act 1985 or Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, if it appears to the Secretary of State that it is expedient in the public interest, she may apply to the court for an order (or accept an undertaking) under the Companies Directors Disqualification Act 1986 which disqualifies an individual from being a director of any company for a period of up to 15 years. The court may also disqualify a director who is guilty of certain offences in relation to companies, persistent breaches of company legislation or a breach of competition law. There no plans to amend these powers.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 416 c694W;416 c692W; 146514
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Companies Directors Department of Trade and Industry Disqualification Powers
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk