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Companies Bill [Lords]

The answer is that if we tried to legislate on that—I look to the Box to confirm that I am correct—we would offend EU requirements on freedom of movement. We cannot restrict directorships to UK residents. I am getting nods from those in the Box, so I am correct. We would be restricting ourselves under the EU requirements. The Bill seeks to encourage the incorporation of companies in the UK because of the jobs and wealth that that brings. If we were to place on that the constraints that my hon. Friend the Member for Great Grimsby suggests, it would constrain our successful record of incorporations. Ensuring that directors have a service address in the UK allows anyone who so needs to communicate or pursue litigation.