§ 2. Mr. J. H. Osbornasked the President of the Board of Trade what were the number of bankruptcies recorded in the quarter ended 31st December, 1966, and in the year ended the same date; and how these numbers compare with those for the quarter and year ended 31st December, 1965.
§ The Minister of State, Board of Trade (Mr. George Darling)The number of receiving orders and administration orders in bankruptcy for the last quarters of 1965 and 1966 were 953 and 1,014 respectively; and for the years 1965 and 1966, 3,556 and 3,862 respectively.
§ Mr. OsbornDoes not this show an upward trend? Does this mark the successful outcome of Government policy?
§ Mr. DarlingNo, I am afraid the hon. Member has got the facts wrong. The present trend is not out of keeping with recent years. In fact, last year's numbers were a little below the average for the last five years, and of course well below the average for 1962–63 when the hon. Member was silent about bankruptcies.