§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNOR (Donegal, E.)asked the President of the Board of Trade, Who is responsible for the performance of the duties of Trustees under section 121 of the Bankruptcy Act of 1883; what control the Inspector General in Bankruptcy has in the London District; and, whether it is the fact that the majority of the officers at the Chief Official Receiver's Office are under twenty-one years of age, and have had no previous experience of bankruptcy business?
§ THE PRESIDENT (Mr. MUNDELLA) (Sheffield, Brightside)The Official Receivers, when acting as Trustees under Section 121 of the Bankruptcy Act, are responsible for the performance of their duties. The Official Trustees act under the direction of the Board of Trade. The control of the Inspector General in Bankruptcy does not at present extend to the London district, except for the purpose of audit. I am informed by the Chief Official Receiver that only 18 per cent of his staff are under 21 years of age, including boy copyists, and that of those over age all the officers and clerks who are entrusted with important or responsible duties (43 in number) have been selected by him for their knowledge of law and accounts, and for their experience in bankruptcy administration.
§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNORsaid, that under Section 121 of the Act there were Trustees other than the Official Receivers who might be appointed, and who superseded the Official Receivers. It was with regard to such Trustees that he had asked the Question which he would renew.