HC Deb 08 March 1994 vol 239 cc211-2W
Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of whether present arrangements are sufficient to ensure that no conflict of interest arises when investigating accountants are appointed as receivers of a company; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Neil Hamilton

[holding answer 7 March 1994]: This issue has been brought to my attention many times but a convincing case for statutory intervention has yet to be made.

Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make it his policy to review the arrangements whereby investigating accountants can be appointed as receivers of a company; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Neil Hamilton

[holding answer 7 March 1994]: My Department has already contributed to a review of ethical guidance initiated by the insolvency profession which covered, amongst other things, the issue of investigating accountants being appointed receivers and I do not believe further action is appropriate at the moment.

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