asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will, during the winding-up of James and Shakespeare, Limited, represent to the official receiver under Section 182 of the Companies Act, 1929, the desirability of inquiring into the operation of the Tobacco Securities Trust, Limited, and its subsidiaries in relation to the pepper pool?

The attention of the official receiver will be drawn to the matters referred to by the hon. Member in so far as they may relate to the business of the company which is being wound up.

Will the official receiver be able to inquire into the activities of these companies registered in the Isle of Man, or will that be outside his province?

The official receiver has very wide powers to inquire into anything relevant to the affairs of the company that is being wound up, but the connection between that winding-up and other companies, wherever incorporated, may not be a proper matter for investigation. No doubt that subject will be discussed on Thursday.