HC Deb 05 December 1957 vol 579 cc597-8
35. Mr. Lewis

asked 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. Eccles

There has been no such regular increase. In fact, since 1953, the annual totals show a small decrease as compared with each preceding year.

Mr. Lewis

Will 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. Eccles

I suspect that the hon. Member has failed to see that the figures referred to receiving orders and not bankruptcies.

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