§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many people are currently acting as receivers; what are the qualifications required of them; by whom are they (a) appointed and (b) supervised; and whether there is a "charter" to govern their performance or an ombudsman to whom taxpayers may complain about them, and where appropriate be awarded compensation.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Baroness Denton of Wakefield)Information about the number of people currently acting as receivers is not readily avilable and to provide such information would incur disproportionate cost. Receivers can be appointed in a wide variety of situations; by the courts, pursuant to statutory provision or in the exercise of privately agreed rights. For this reason it is not possible to specify the qualifications, if any, which may be required for appointment as a receiver. Supervision of a receiver's activities is primarily a matter for the party making the appointment. Since a receiver does not generally perform a public function, he is not subject to any specific charter nor to the scrutiny of an ombudsman. A receiver's actions may give rise to proceedings by any person aggrieved; where they are required to be authorised insolvency practitioners they will be subject to regulations and possible disciplinary action by their authorising bodies; and of course any criminal action will render them liable to prosecution.