HC Deb 01 June 1894 vol 25 cc167-8
MR. HEYWOOD JOHNSTONE (Sussex, Horsham)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if the trustee in bankruptcy of Mr. William Edward Warren, late of Iping Paper Mills, who was adjudicated a bankrupt on the 27th of August, 1891 (he being at the time detained under certificates in the Holloway Sanatorium, Virginia Water, as a person of unsound mind) has yet obtained his release from the Board; if he is aware that the trustee is alleged to have improperly released the bankrupt's equity of redemption in certain property without consideration, during the time when the bankrupt was so detained as a person of unsound mind; if it is competent to the Board to inquire into a trustee's dealings with the property of a bankrupt who has been certified as of unsound mind, otherwise than upon an application for his release made by the trustee himself; and if any such application has been made by Mr. Warren's trustee, and any Report upon his accounts made to the Board?

MR. BRYCE

The trustee in the bankruptcy of William Edward Warren has not yet obtained his release, and no Report on his accounts has been made to the Board of Trade. I am aware that such an allegation as that referred to in the question of the hon. Member has been made by the bankrupt. It is competent to the Board of Trade to inquire into a trustee's dealings with the property of a bankrupt at any time.

MR. HEYWOOD JOHNSTONE

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire into the trustee's dealings with this estate?

MR. BRYCE

I understand inquiries have been made. We are satisfied there is no reason to think that the trustee has-acted improperly.

MR. HEYWOOD JOHNSTONE

Will the Board of Trade furnish a copy of the Report to the bankrupt or his solicitor?

MR. BRYCE

I will inquire if that be regular.