§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the President of the Board of Trade how many complaints the Insolvency Service agency received about its work in 1991, 1992 and so far in 1993.
§ Mr. Neil HamiltonThe Insolvency Service's chief executive has received four complaints following introduction by the agency in February 1993 of a formal procedure under this Government's citizens charter initiative. The agency does not keep any other record specifically relating to complaints, but receives a range of correspondence relating to official receivers and insolvency practitioners. This correspondence should be considered in the context of the 8,368 companies wound up compulsorily and 22,632 individuals entering bankruptcy in 1991, 9,734 liquidations and 32,106 bankruptcies in 1992, and 7,004 liquidations and 26,627 bankruptcies to 31 October 1993.
Mr. Peter Joyce, the agency's chief executive, answered letters about the administration of insolvencies which did 556W not arise out of the published standard but sometimes contained criticism of the service, totalling 26 in 1991, 85 in 1992 and 49 to 31 October 1993.
In addition, I and my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade have responded to letters from hon. Members concerning specific insolvencies totalling 399 in 1991, 355 in 1992 and 314 to 31 October 1993. Officials have answered on our behalf 207 letters in 1992 and 147 to 31 October 1993. Information on how many of these letters contained criticism of the service could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
No central record is kept of complaints made direct to official receivers.