asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he is aware of many complaints regarding the non-availability of files and long delays in producing files at the Companies Registration Office; and measures which are being taken to ensure that all files can be made available promptly to members of the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Companies Registration Office.
11.
There has been a huge increase in recent years in the volume of business transacted in the Companies Registration Office. For example, at the end of 1973 there were less than 33,000 companies on the register and at the moment the figure is approximately 100,000. As a consequence, the traditional organisation of the office and the methods for making files available to the public were no longer suitable; a modernisation programme was planned, and it will become operational over the next few months.
There has recently been some temporary dislocation while new shelving is being installed. This work will be completed within the next week and the difficulties being experienced at present should then be alleviated.
The establishment of a computerised data base in the office is well advanced. One of the objectives is to make information available to the public on computer print-out. Service to the public will commence in March 1986. It is expected that most search requirements will be satisfied by way of print-out and the reduced demand for inspection of individual company files will result in a better service to those who may still wish to examine actual company documents.
I am confident that the computerisation programme together with other organisational changes will bring about significant improvements in the operation of the office within the next few months.