HC Deb 01 December 1982 vol 33 c200W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Minister for Trade whether, in view of the ability of those incurring large debts to be declared bankrupt, claiming little or no assets, whilst their wives or other near relations have large amounts of capital and assets transferred to them capable of being used by the person being declared bankrupt, he will seek to amend the law relating to bankruptcy to prevent such occurrences.

Dr. Vaughan

Recommendations have been made by the Cork committee to strengthen the provisions under section 42 of the Bankruptcy Act 1914 for the avoidance of certain gifts and settlements made by a bankrupt. As I indicated in my answer to the hon. Member for Dewsbury (Mr. Ginsburg) on 8 November, when the consultations on the report of the committee have been completed I shall be in a better position to know whether there are steps that we can take.