§ Mr. Bill WalkerTo ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the allocation of functions associated with the operation of the Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 1985 between the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.
§ The Prime MinisterI have approved a reallocation of policy responsibility for the Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 1985 from the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to the Secretary of State for Scotland, who already has administrative responsibility for the operation of that Act. This will take effect from 7 May 1992.
Bringing together the policy and administrative responsibility for the 1985 Act will facilitate the introduction of measures to control the rising cost of sequestrations in Scotland while at the same time maintaining an effective service.
The Secretary of State for Scotland will bring forward proposals for legislation at the earliest opportunity.
The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry continues to be responsible for all areas of insolvency law except those covered by the Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 1985. His responsibilities are mainly set out in the Insolvency Act 1986 and the Disqualification of Directors Act 1986. They include the insolvency of registered companies in Scotland.