§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many(a) individuals and (b) firms are licensed by recognised professional bodies to carry on their business as insolvency practitioners. [100915]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonIndividuals, not firms, are authorised to act as an insolvency practitioner by either one of seven recognised professional bodies or by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State. As at 31 December 2002 (the latest date figures are available) there were 1603 insolvency practitioners authorised by the recognised professional bodies.