§ 25. Mr. du Cannasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he proposes to give effect to the recommendation of the Bankruptcy Law Amendment Committee.
§ Mr. MaudlingThe Government have under consideration the possible scope of legislation on bankruptcy and deeds of arrangement for introduction when Parliamentary time permits. I cannot say when this will be.
§ Mr. du CannCan my right hon. Friend very kindly tell me how I should answer questions from an unfortunate constituent who very reasonably asks what is the point of setting up a committee of this sort if its report is pigeonholed for a number of years, especially when it is generally agreed that a reform of the law is desirable and necessary? Can he very kindly be more specific about the timing?
§ Mr. MaudlingIt is hard enough to answer questions on my own behalf without answering those addressed to my hon. Friend for him. This is a very complicated Report—as many reports are. We are quite aware of its importance, but I ask my hon. Friend to bear in mind that it is not easy, with the pressure on the draftsmen and the staff of our Department, to produce legislation in these matters very quickly.