Commentary on Sections Article 208N: Inquiry into debtor’s dealings and property
This Article enables the High Court, on the application of the Official Receiver, to require the debtor, the debtor’s spouse, former spouse, civil partner or former civil partner or any person appearing to be able to give information or assistance to the Court to appear before the Court. There are sanctions for failure to appear without reasonable excuse – the Court may issue a warrant for the person’s arrest or order the seizure of books, papers and other items. It is not expected that there will be a frequent use of this power, which is aimed at a very small number of cases where misconduct – for example the hiding of assets – is suspected and the debtor has refused to provide information to the Official Receiver.