§ Mr. MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the DTI Hotline for reporting rogue directors is still operating; how many rogue directors have been reported on it since it was established; and what action has been taken and in how many cases as a result of reports received. [126047]
§ Dr. HowellsThe Hotline continues to operate and, in the period from inception to 31 May 2000, it has received 2,067 inquiries either to its telephone answering machine, through correspondence or by the online submission of information via the Insolvency Service website. As a result, a total of 656 completed questionnaires/letters have been returned to the Insolvency Service concerning the activities of bankrupts and disqualified directors.
The Prosecution Section of the Insolvency Service considers all completed questionnaires, obtains additional information from Official Receivers and Insolvency Practitioners and, where appropriate, submits reports alleging specific offences to Department of Trade and Industry lawyers.
239WIn the period to 31 May this year 181 cases have been referred to DTI lawyers and these have led to six convictions, the issue of 21 warning letters and a further seven defendants being charged with one or more offences. In 56 cases it was decided that no further action should be taken and the balance of the reports are still under consideration.