---- Mexico. The position of factories worked by British companies or capital is the same as that of those worked by native companies or capital. By the Commercial Code the books of the company must be kept in Spanish. A foreign company wishing to start business must present a certificate issued by the Minister accredited to its country or by the Mexican Consul, of its being a company legally constituted and authorised according to the laws of that country, together with certain other documents bearing on its constitution and financial position. Foreign insurance companies have to deposit a guarantee or bond to the value of twenty thousand dollars, or double the amount required from native companies. Central American Republics.-Foreigners and foreign companies domiciled in these states acquire all the civil rights and privileges of natives, and are subjected to the same obligations and taxes, unless the Executive grant specially favourable conditions. Venezuela.-There are no mills or factories worked by British companies and capital. Ecuador.-Mills or factories worked by British subjects or companies enjoy the same protection and have all the same privileges as if worked by natives. Peru.-Mills or factories worked by British subjects and British commercial and industrial establishments situated in Peru enjoy the same privileges as do those worked or owned by Peruvian subjects. Chile. In all respects British capital and commercial undertakings are in as favourable a position as those of native origin. Trading or insurance companies with head-quarters in the United Kingdom, and trading companies with the parent house in the United Kingdom, are in a more favourable position than Chilian companies, as they are not subject to the laws regulating the formation of such companies in the Republic, and are not obliged to make the deposits required by Chilian law. Bolivia.-Complete equality of treatment exists between natives and foreigners as to the matters referred to in the questions, with one exception, viz. :--When British commercial or industrial establishments are owned by companies with registered offices in the United Kingdom, Bolivian law requires a resident legal representative or agent. Brazil. Foreigners are allowed to engage in any lawful commercial undertaking, their commercial acts being regulated by the Brazilian Commercial Code. Foreign companies must not, however, carry on any business without the authorization of Government, whereas Brazilian companies only require such authorization when formed to carry on (i.) banking or financial business, or (ii.) in connection with supply of food. The statutes of foreign companies must not contravene Brazilian law, and must be approved by Government. After receiving Government authorization, companies, whether British or foreign, must register at the "Junta Commercial" if there is one, and if not, at the "Registro de Hypothecas da Comarca ". 1. The statutes of the company. 2. A list of the names of the subscribers with the numbers of the shares of each, and payments made. 3. A certificate of a deposit of the tenth part of the capital. 4. An authenticated copy of the authorization to operate. As to Factories: there is no Government supervision, and no regulation interfering with their internal organization. Foreigners and natives alike must obtain a license, on first establishment of the factory, from the local municipal authorities. On the capital of companies a tax of $100 per $1,000 is levied in addition to a tax of 2 per cent. on dividends of companies of which the seat is in Brazil. Otherwise there is no distinction between foreigners and natives, or restriction as to residence or ownership. The only instance of disparity of treatment appears to be in the case of fire and marine insurance companies. The Federal Tax on foreign companies for this class of business is 15 per cent. of the gross amount of premiums received, while native companies pay only 2 per cent. 22 Foreign insurance companies are also required to employ a proportion of their capital in Brazilian securities or property. - Uruguay. Though the law makes no difference between foreigners and subjects of the Republic as far as regards the establishment of factories, mills, companies, and agencies, there is distinct differential treatment in the case of insurance companies. Insurance agencies and companies, whatever their denomination, the directorate of which is not domiciled, nor the capital inscribed in the country, as well as every person or institution which receives premiums, shall pay at the end of every six months an additional licence duty. All insurance companies have hitherto paid $400 (£85 2s.) and 2 per cent. additional on the gross receipts on policies issued. In the case of foreign companies this latter duty is now raised to 4 per cent. Life insurances are to pay 2 per cent. and agricultural insurance is exempt from duty. Native companies will only pay 2 per cent. on policies, and per cent. on life insurance. But as there are no native companies, the system is not in practice differential, but virtually a tax on foreign companies. LONDON: PRINTED FOR HIS MAJESTY'S STATIONERY OFFICE, BY DARLING & SON, LTD.. 34-40, BACON STREET, E. 1902. MISCELLANEOUS. No. 1 (1902). REPORTS FROM HIS MAJESTY'S REPRESENTATIVES IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES RESPECTING THE METHODS OF TAKING DIVISIONS IN LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLIES, AND THE NUMBER AND DURATION OF THE SITTINGS. Presented to both Houses of Parliament by Command of His Majesty. LONDON: PRINTED FOR HIS MAJESTY'S STATIONERY OFFICE, BY HARRISON AND SONS, ST. MARTIN'S LANE, PRINTERS IN ORDINARY TO HIS MAJESTY. And to be purchased, either directly or through any Bookseller, from OR OLIVER & BOYD, Edinburgh; OR E. PONSONBY, 116, GRAFTON STREET, Dublin. |