§ Mr. GregoryTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many cases the Insolvency Service has investigated in Yorkshire in the last 12 months for which statistics are kept; for what reasons; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RedwoodAlthough statistics are not kept on a county basis, all cases except summary administrations are inquired into by official receivers of the Insolvency Service and where the circumstances of the insolvency require are subject to further investigation. As a result of those investigations, during the year ended 31 March 1991, official receivers covering the Yorkshire area, which would also include parts of adjoining counties, submitted 209 reports alleging either the commission of possible criminal offences or recommending application be made for the disqualification of directors whose conduct appears to make them unfit to be concerned in the management of limited companies. As at 30 June 1991, there were 191 cases under investigation by those official receivers.
§ Mr. GregoryTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many officials in the Yorkshire offices of the Insolvency Service are qualified in(a) law and (b) accountancy; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RedwoodThe latest figures available show that 29 officials in the Yorkshire offices of the Insolvency Service have studied for accountancy or allied qualifications. Of these, three are fully qualified, one will shortly be sitting her final examinations and others are still studying. None of these officers has a law degree and such legal expertise as is required is provided by the solicitors division of the Department of Trade and Industry.