§ Mr. Chapmanasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement about progress by the Official Receiver in the liquidation of Esal (Commodities) Ltd.; and what information he has as to the amount of that company's debts.
§ Mr. HowardThe winding-up order was made against Esal (Commodities) Limited on 7 November 1984 under which the official receiver is investigating the affairs of the company. The realisation and distribution of the assets is in the hands of the joint liquidators Mr. G. A. Weiss and Mr. M. A. Jordon. The liabilities are estimated to be in the region of £245 million but it is not yet possible to say what the assets will realise nor the likelihood of a distribution to creditors.