§ MR. BARROW (Southwark, Bermondsey)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, in the matter of Ellis, Drew, and Company, Limited, now in liquidation, an order for public examination of directors and others was made by the Judge of the Brighton Court on 7th July, 1893; and that, owing to pressure of business in the Brighton Court, such examination has not yet been, concluded; and whether any steps can be taken to expedite public examinations under liquidation proceedings in the County Courts by enabling them to be held before the Registrars, as under the Bankruptcy Act?
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. BURT, Morpeth),who replied, said: I am aware of the delay which has taken place in the case referred to. Under the existing Rules it is not in the power of County Court Judges to delegate the holding of public examinations under the Companies (Winding Up) Act to their Registrars, but the Board of Trade are considering whether any, and if so what, remedy can be applied.