Written question asked by Tim Loughton (Conservative) on Monday, 28 June 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 2 July 1999. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Friday, 2 July 1999 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, how many firms in the UK have ceased trading since May 1997. - Inc figures (holding answer 1 July 1999).

Answer: Mr. Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many firms in the UK have ceased trading since May 1997. [89315] Dr. Howells: [holding answer 1 July 1999]: Companies House maintain statistics on the number of companies in liquidation and/or dissolution in England, Wales and Scotland. During the period from 5 May 1997 to 27 June 1999, 105,540 companies were reported as dissolved by means of the voluntary procedures contained in Section 652A of the Companies Act 1985 and 1989. 118,227 were dissolved other than by Section 652A and 38,554 were dissolved following liquidation, making a total of 262,321. As of 27 June 1999, 69,479 companies were in course of liquidation. (The corresponding figure for 4 May 1997 was 76,763.)

Secondary information