§ Mr. Dykesasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give the number of bankruptcy proceedings instituted through the courts at the request and instigation of the Inland Revenue Department in the last two full years for which figures are available; how many of these actions involved private individuals as opposed to companies; and in how many cases the Inland Revenue applied for compulsory disposal of the taxpayers' matrimonial home.
§ Mr. MooreThe last two full years for which figures are available are 1984 and 1985. The number of bankruptcy and company winding-up orders obtained by the Inland Revenue was:
1984 1985 Receiving orders following petition (individuals) 1,099 734 Winding-up orders following petition (companies) 277 263 These figures do not include orders where the Inland Revenue did not institute the proceedings but supported another creditor in his action.
193WThe disposal of the assets of a bankrupt's estate is a matter for the appointed trustee in bankruptcy and the Inland Revenue have no entitlement to apply for disposal of such assets.