§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why his Department took no action in the courts to recover debts of £10,381.62p from the firm of E.F.S. Offshore and Factory Services Ltd. of Yarmouth, until after the firm had gone into liquidation; and why action was not taken earlier.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe collection and enforcement of National Insurance contributions from employers is the responsibility of the Inland Revenue in the first instance. That responsibility is transferred from the Inland Revenue to this Department only in limited and clearly defined circumstances, which include company liquidation. Action by the Department on this case was taken at the first practicable opportunity.