Company Law Reform Bill [HL]

I do not see the value of requiring a minimum period of commitment to receiving company documents by means of a website. Why should a member who agrees to use the web not be able to change his mind? If the argument is about the cost of investing in the appropriate technology, I do not accept that. Most companies that choose that form of communication will already have websites. They are unlikely to move to website communication unless a critical mass of members opts for it, or are deemed to have agreed to it by virtue of other provisions in the schedules. I do not think that start-up costs will be wasted. In any event, it appears that the noble Lord accepts the principle of Clause 752, that a member who has received a document or information other than in hard copy form is entitled to a hard copy. It does not seem consistent with that to restrict a member’s right to change his mind on communication by means of a website. He could not change his mind, but he could still ask for a hard copy, so this provision does not help the company in any way. I hope that with that clarification, the noble Lord will withdraw his amendment.