§ Mr. GibbTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the Government reviews and reports currently being conducted into reform of the insolvency laws. [90293]
§ Dr. HowellsTwo reviews of Insolvency Law and Practice were announced in the Competitiveness White Paper. The first was an internal review of insolvency (and particularly bankruptcy) law and the extent to which it contributed to the stigma of failure and inhibited enterprise. Officials reported to Ministers on 30 April 1999, and work to further develop the ideas generated is underway. The second review is a joint DTI/HM Treasury Review of Company Rescue Mechanisms, the Terms of Reference of which were announced on 2 February 1999,Official Report, column 580. That review will now report by the end of 1999.