§ Mrs. Margaret EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will institute an inquiry into the causes of bankruptcy in individuals in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe Government are presently reviewing all aspects of the operation of the Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 1985. It is clear that the major factor influencing the number of sequestrations in Scotland is the easier access by individuals to the sequestration process following the introduction of the 1985 Act.
The Government are actively considering the need for changes to the present legislation.