The Insolvency (Northern Ireland) Order 1989

Inquiry into bankrupt's dealings and property N.I.

337.—(1) At any time after a bankruptcy order has been made the High Court may, on the application of the official receiver or the trustee of the bankrupt's estate, summon to appear before it—

(a) the bankrupt or the bankrupt's spouse or former spouse[F1 or civil partner or former civil partner],

(b) any person known or believed to have any property comprised in the bankrupt's estate in his possession or to be indebted to the bankrupt,

(c) any person appearing to the Court to be able to give informtion concerning the bankrupt or the bankrupt's dealings, affairs or property.

(2) The High Court may require any person such as is mentioned in paragraph (1)(b) or (c) to submit an affidavit to the Court containing an account of his dealings with the bankrupt or to produce any documents in his possession or under his control relating to the bankrupt or the bankrupt's dealings, affairs or property.

(3) Without prejudice to Article 335, paragraphs (4) and (5) apply in a case where—

(a) a person without reasonable excuse fails to appear before the High Court when he is summoned to do so under this Article, or

(b) there are reasonable grounds for believing that a person has absconded, or is about to abscond, with a view to avoiding his appearance before the Court under this Article.

(4) The High Court may, for the purpose of bringing that person and anything in his possession before the Court, cause a warrant to be issued to a constable—

(a) for the arrest of that person, and

(b) for the seizure of any books, papers, records, money or goods in that person's possession.

(5) The High Court may authorise a person arrested under such a warrant to be kept in custody, and anything seized under such a warrant to be held, in accordance with the rules, until that person is brought before the Court under the warrant or until such other time as the Court may order.

F1 2004 c. 33