Dionne Rose, Parliamentary Reporter

A Bill, which will introduce electronic registration of business names and identification of proprietors of businesses by their Taxpayer Registration Number, was passed in the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

The bill, entitled 'An Act to Amend the Registration of Business Names Act', was piloted by Industry, Commerce, Technology and Energy Minister, Phillip Paulwell.

The minister said the bill proposed to correct an anomaly in the law whereby companies could only register trading by name, if joined by an individual as a partner. He said this was inconsistent with the Companies Act, which states that a company has the same rights as an individual and therefore ought to be able to register a business.

More accurate information

"It is intended that these amendments to the registration of business names will facilitate greater access to more accurate information on businesses and at the same time enable registration of business names in accordance with the act to be less time-consuming and more transparent," he said.

Opposition Spokesman on Trade, Karl Samuda, also gave his support to the bill.

"This is a non-controversial matter that has the support of the Opposition primarily because it speaks to the thing that is so important today, the question of transparency," he said. "Introducing this legislation, which pinpoints not only their identity but the place from which they operate, is a step in the right direction," he said.

Mr. Paulwell agreed that the bill encourages transparency, as the public would have acquired accurate information on the persons behind business names, and the location where those businesses operate.