§ 35. Mr. Lewisasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that, since 1951, there has been an increase of approximately 200 to 400 bankruptcies in each year; what is the reason for these continued increases; and what action he proposes to take to reduce bankruptcies to their pre-1951 level.
§ Sir D. EcclesThere has been no such regular increase. In fact, since 1953, the annual totals show a small decrease as compared with each preceding year.
§ Mr. LewisWill the Minister look again at the figures? The figures which he gave me previously show an increase of between 200 and 400 in the years which I have quoted. If those figures from him are correct, as I assume they are, will he explain the reason for this increase?
§ Sir D. EcclesI suspect that the hon. Member has failed to see that the figures referred to receiving orders and not bankruptcies.