§ Mrs. Margaret EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland by what measures the accountant in bankruptcy assesses remuneration of a trustee in sequestration, in cases where the remuneration of the trustee is to be met from moneys provided by Parliament; and if there is any specific maximum hourly rate for chartered accountants and unqualified persons.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonIn terms of section 53(4) of the Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 1985 the accountant in bankruptcy is required in assessing remuneration to have regard to the work which was reasonably undertaken by the trustee in relation to the value of the debtor's estate and the extent of his responsibilities in administering that estate. There are no specific maximum hourly rates laid down for this work.
§ Mrs. Margaret EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list for each year since the commencement of the Bankruptcy Scotland Act 1985 the total sum paid out of moneys provided by Parliament in terms of section 76 of the said Act.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonGross expenditure, including payments to trustees and the administration costs of the office of the accountant of court and the office of accountant in bankruptcy, has been as follows:
Financial year Gross expenditure (£'000) 1986–87 256 1987–88 706 1988–89 2,918