HC Deb 27 October 1966 vol 734 cc1283-4
18. Mr. J. H. Osborn

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will tabulate the numbers of bankruptcies recorded in the quarters ending 30th September, 1965, 31st December, 1965, 31st March, 1966, 30th June, 1966, and 30th September, 1966, respectively.

Mr. Darling

The number of receiving orders and administration orders in bankruptcy for each of the quarters was as follows:

to 30th September, 1965, 780: 31st December, 1965, 953; 31st March, 1966, 1,089; 30th June, 1966, 857; and 30th September, 1966, 902.

Mr. Osborn

Does not that show a shocking trend and prove that the Government are making the operation of private businesses intolerable? In view of those unfortunate figures, will arrangements be made to publish them monthly in the Board of Trade Journal?

Mr. Darling

They are published regularly in the Library. The reports for the years up to and including 1965 are available. This trend is in keeping with previous years.