HC Deb 18 January 1971 vol 809 cc173-4W
69. Mr. Ford

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement following his investi- gation into the trading activities of certain companies in the Bradford area, details of which have been supplied to him.

Mr. Ridley

Some of the companies are in liquidation and their affairs are being inquired into by official receivers in cases of compulsory liquidation or by liquidators in cases of voluntary liquidation. The Department has powers under the Companies Acts, 1948 and 1967, to investigate the affairs of a company where circumstances suggest that they are being conducted for a fraudulent purpose. These powers will be invoked in any appropriate case.