§ Mr. Welshasked the Secretary of State for Trade how many self-employed persons and small businesses went into (a) bankruptcy and (b) voluntary liquidation in each year since 1970.
§ Mr. ShoreThe number of receiving orders made in England and Wales against self-employed persons and individuals or partnerships carrying on business on their own account in each year since 1970 are as follows:
1970 … 3,578 1971 … 3,490 1972 … 3,115 1973 … 2,469 1974 … 3,387 Period 1.1.75 to 31.3.75 … 1,101 The numbers of sequestration orders made in Scotland against individuals are as follows:
1970 … 112 1971 … 108 1972 … 116 1973 … 96 1974 … 104 Period 1.1.75 to 31.3.75 … 24 I regret that information as to whether or not the debtors were engaged in trade or business is not readily available.
233WThe numbers of creditors' voluntary liquidations for the same periods are as follows:
England and Wales 1970 … 2,420 1971 … 2,340 1972 … 1,913 1973 … 1,495 1974 … 2,331 Period 1.1.75 to 31.3.75 … 700 Scotland 1970 … 129 1971 … 115 1972 … 129 1973 … 73 1974 … 113 Period1.1.75 to 31.3.75 … 36