Business Names Registration (MR. E. S. Payne)

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 10 April 1970.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Mr George Wallace Mr George Wallace , Norwich North 12:00, 10 April 1970

I say that because I admire their efficiency—lest it get me into trouble in certain quarters at home.

These young ladies demonstrate daily the miracles of modern reference systems in dealing with the often only too vague requirements of hon. Members. We all know how efficient their filing system in our own Library is. I am sure that these young ladies could introduce a system for the Board of Trade which would entail a fairly simple operation and be able to identify and compare all these names without great difficulty. My constituent, through his association with the computer industry, could do even more. Computers nowadays can give answers a darned sight more quickly than do some of the out-of-date methods at present used in some Departments.

It is not impossible to avoid the difficulties, pitfalls and expenses at present entailed. My constituent, in good faith, lost £300 to £500 in the labyrinth, with, I am informed, no chance of recovery from anyone. I realise that this state of affairs must affect quite a number of people, but I consider that he should have some recompense.

After considering this matter carefully for some time with my constituent and with others, I feel that it is time that a more up-to-date system was introduced at the Board of Trade to encourage and assist, not obstruct and financially penalise, people like Mr. Payne.

I hope that my hon. Friend and her Department will give the matter further consideration, not only so far as it concerns Mr. Payne but also other people, and, more important, arrange for close contact between the Business Names Registry and the Companies Registry, which appears to be completely nonexistent at present. I get the impression that they have not even been introduced to each other.