§ Captain Kerbyasked the Minister of Aviation Supply whether he is satisfied with the techniques of the Receiver of the Beagle Aircraft Company; what final decisions have been reached as to the winding-up of the company; what part of the assets have been sold; what is the present position of the sub-contracting division at Shoreham-by-Sea; and what has been the cost to date to public funds of the work of the Receiver and his staff.
§ Mr. CorfieldI have confidence in the professional competence of the chartered accountant appointed as receiver, manager and liquidator of Beagle Aircraft Limited. I understand that in order to wind up the company's affairs to the best advantage it has not yet proved possible to reach final decisions but that meanwhile the factory at Rearsby has been closed down and its assets sold, all rights in the Bulldog and other Beagle aircraft have been sold to Scottish Aviation Limited, and a considerable quantity of work in progress has been completed and delivered against prior contracts. The sub-contracting division at Shoreham-by-Sea is being maintained in operation pending conclusion of negotiations for disposal. The remuneration of the re-400W ceiver, manager and liquidator will be determined in due course in conformity with recognised practice in these matters; to date no payment has been made out of public funds.