Clause 72
Company Law Reform Bill [Lords]
1:30 pm
James Brokenshire (Hornchurch, Conservative)
I have two quick little points to make. The clause uses the word “may” in relation to the rules for adjudicators set down by the Secretary of State, and it would be better to give some definitive context by saying that they “shall” make provision for the relevant items in clause 72(2), as amendmentNo. 61 would do.
Amendment No. 62 raises a slightly different issue about the publication of the decisions of adjudicators. If we are to avoid problems arising, it is obviously as well to ensure that decisions are publicised so that people can understand them and avoid the need to get into such circumstances in the future, and to share best practice for all professional advisers. It would therefore be helpful to ensure that decisions are published to avoid the potential for future disputes. I appreciate that hardened individuals intent on extorting money will pay no regard to that, but it would be helpful to have transparency for the general commercial and corporate sector. This is a probing amendment to seek to promote that idea, as such knowledge would be in the interests of all parties.