HC Deb 15 November 1932 vol 270 cc915-6
1. Mr. POTTER

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of prosecutions made by his Department during the past three years to the most convenient date against debtors for failure to keep proper books of account and for any other misdemeanours arising out of the Bankruptcy Acts; and with what result?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Dr. Burgin)

During the three years ending 31st October, 1932, there were 118 prosecutions for misdemeanours under the Bankruptcy Acts, and these prosecutions resulted in 113 convictions and five acquittals.

2. Mr. POTTER

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of prosecutions made by his Department or by the Public Prosecutor during the past three years to the most convenient date against directors and other officials for misfeasance and other offences arising out of the affairs of companies compulsorily wound up under the Companies Acts; and what was the result?

Dr. BURGIN

During the three years ending 31st October, 1932, the number of cases referred by the Board of Trade to the Director of Public Prosecutions in which proceedings were instituted against directors and other officials of companies as a result of investigations by official receivers in the compulsory winding up of companies was nine against 15 persons. Convictions were secured against 11 persons, warrants were issued against two but could not be executed, one person was discharged and one now stands remanded. I am unable to give figures relating to the number of cases in which proceedings were instituted as a result of other investigations.

Sir ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUEL

Are we to understand that the Board of Trade refer these questions to the Public Prosecutor, or do they refer them to the court and the court to the Public Prosecutor?

Dr. BURGIN

The Board of Trade is giving the information asked for by an hon. Member as to the number of prosecutions.

Sir A. M. SAMUEL

But is the hon. Gentleman not aware that he has just stated that the Board of Trade refer them to the Public Prosecutor? Is that a fact?

Dr. BURGIN

The fact appears from the answer that these cases were referred by the Board of Trade to the Director of Public Prosecutions.