HC Deb 10 May 1982 vol 23 cc169-70W
Mr. Trotter

asked the Attorney-General in how many cases in each of the last 10 years (a) allegations of fraud concerning the affairs of an insolvent company have been reported to the Director of Public Prosecutions under section 332 of the Companies Act 1948, (b) proceedings were brought as a result of such allegations and (c) convictions were obtained.

The Attorney-General

The number of cases reported to the Director of Public Prosecutions under section 332 of the Companies Act 1948 is as follows:

1. Reports 2. Proceedings 3.Convictions
1972 13 3 3
1973 13 12 8
1974 21 11 7
1975 14 13 8
1976 33 9 6
1977 21 9 9
1978 26 13 9
1979 26 8 6
1980 27 12 10
1981 22 7 7
1982 5 (up to 6 May 1982)
(a) 221 97 70

1. Reports 2. Proceedings 3. Convictions
(b) 216 45 per cent. 72.2 per cent.
excluding of (1) of (2)
1982 32 per cent. of (1)

Note:

1. For 1982 there are no results and the figures are limited.

2. The figures in column (1) show only those cases reported as section 332. They do not necessarily mean they were proceeded on under that section.

3. The figures in column (2) do not necessarily mean that they result from reports shown in column (1), though it is very probable, it cannot be confirmed.

4. The figures shown in column (3) show convictions for section 332 only.

Some defendants were convicted of other or alternative offences.