HC Deb 03 March 1953 vol 512 cc175-6
21. Mr. Nabarro

asked the President of the Board of Trade when his Department anticipate completion of the winding-up of the affairs of Ernest Reid and Company.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Mr. Henry Strauss)

I understand that the liquidator cannot yet say when the winding-up is likely to be completed.

Mr. Nabarro

Is it not a fact that the long delay which is occurring in this case is a result of the difficulty that the official receiver has in getting hold of Mr. George Dawson? In view of the fact that this gentleman is now seeking entry into the Icelandic fishing industry, what steps is my hon. Friend taking to see that there is not a repetition of the affairs of Ernest Reid and Company in any matters arising from the Icelandic fishing arrangements?

Mr. Strauss

The Icelandic fishing arrangements have nothing to do with this Question. The Question on the Order Paper refers to a compulsory winding-up by an order of the court and, in view of the complexity and the mass of material to be examined, the liquidator is unable to give a date.

Mr. Nabarro

Did not George Dawson have a great deal to do with Ernest Reid and Company and cannot my hon. and learned Friend say whether the Official Receiver has yet taken steps to get hold of Mr. Dawson and question him about the affairs of that company?

Mr. Speaker

I understood from the last reply that this matter is before the court.

Mr. Nabarro

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. This matter is not at present before the court; that is the purpose of this Question—to try to ascertain why the long delay is occurring in publishing the findings of the Official Receiver in this matter.

Mr. Strauss

I said that this was the case of a winding-up by order of the court and I am unable to give details of the progress of the liquidation. It is quite correct that I did not say that this matter is before the court.