§ Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the President of the Board of Trade how much cheese and curd were imported in 1968, and from January to August, 1969 ; and what proportion came from countries of the European Economic Community.
§ Mrs. Gwyneth DunwoodyThe following is the information:
Writtern to him, although preferential creditors in law have been waiting for more than 11 years for their arrears of salary to be paid to them; and what action his Department is taking to ensure that payment is made.
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§ Mrs. Gwyneth DunwoodyI regret the delays to which the hon. Member refers. As he knows, the liquidator appointed by the court has paid the preferential claims of the employees in full and dividends totalling 7s. 6d. in the £ on account of their non-preferential claims for salary in lieu of notice. The creditors of the company and of other companies associated with it have approved a method of distributing certain further funds but the liquidators of the companies have been advised that they must obtain an order of the court before distributing these funds. Solicitors and counsel have been instructed to apply to the court but have not yet been able to do so. The Board of Trade is keeping in touch with the liquidators in the matter.