§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the President of the Board of Trade how many directions to proceed with disqualification were issued in official receiver cases in 1992–93 and 1993–94; and if he will make a statement as to the reasons underlying the change in numbers.
§ Mr. Neil HamiltonIn 1992–93 there were 164 directions to proceed with disqualification proceedings in official receiver cases. In 1993–94 there were 50 directions for the nine months ended 31 December 1993.
The decline in the number of proceedings issued is a consequence of the reduced investigative time available to official receivers in the light of recent high levels of compulsory insolvencies.