§ Mrs. Helen JacksonTo ask the President of the Board of Trade how many bankruptcies and companies in liquidation, whose administration has not been finalised, are being dealt with by the official receiver's office, Sheffield at the present time. [34525]
§ Mr. OppenheimThe total number of cases in which the official receiver, Sheffield is still to obtain his release as at 30 June 1995 are bankruptcies: 189, companies: 35.
§ Mrs. Helen JacksonTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement about the future of the official receiver's office, Sheffield, if the work of the Insolvency Service is partially contracted out. [34524]
§ Mr. OppenheimNo decisions have yet been taken in relation to the residual size and location of the Insolvency Service, should contracting-out go ahead. It is not expected that a decision will be able to be made regarding the future of the official receiver's office, Sheffield, until conclusions on contracting out have been reached.
§ Mrs. Helen JacksonTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement as to the effects the contracting out of the administrative functions of the official receiver will have on investigation of fraud in the Sheffield area. [34526]
§ Mr. OppenheimAdvice received from consultants was that the contracting out of their administrative functions would enable official receivers throughout the country to concentrate more on their investigatory role.