The Insolvency (Amendment) Rules 2002

Amendments to the Insolvency Rules 1986 in relation to Individual Voluntary Arrangements

7.—(1) After Rule 5.3(2)(p) (contents of proposal) insert—

“(q) whether the EC Regulation will apply and, if so, whether the proceedings will be main proceedings, secondary proceedings or territorial proceedings.”.

(2) In Rule 5.22(2) (report of creditors' meeting)—

(a) at the end of sub-paragraph (c) omit “and”; and

(b) after sub-paragraph (c) insert—

“(ca) whether, in the opinion of the supervisor, (i) the EC Regulation applies to the voluntary arrangement and (ii) if so, whether the proceedings are main proceedings, secondary proceedings or territorial proceedings; and”.

(3) After Rule 5.30 (false representations, etc) insert—

“Section E: EC Regulation—Conversion of Voluntary Arrangement into Bankruptcy

Application for conversion into bankruptcy

5.31.— (1) Where a member State liquidator proposes to apply to the court for the conversion under Article 37 of the EC Regulation (conversion of earlier proceedings) of a voluntary arrangement into bankruptcy, an affidavit complying with Rule 5.32 must be prepared and sworn, and filed in court in support of the application.

(2) An application under this Rule shall be by originating application.

(3) The application and the affidavit required under this Rule shall be served upon—

(a) the debtor; and

(b) the supervisor.

Contents of affidavit

5.32.— (1) The affidavit shall state—

(a) that main proceedings have been opened in relation to the debtor in a member State other than the United Kingdom;

(b) the deponent’s belief that the conversion of the voluntary arrangement into a bankruptcy would prove to be in the interests of the creditors in the main proceedings; and

(c) all other matters that, in the opinion of the member State liquidator, would assist the court—

(i) in deciding whether to make an order under Rule 5.33, and

(ii) if the court were to do so, in considering the need for any consequential provision that would be necessary or desirable.

(2) An affidavit under this Rule shall be sworn by, or on behalf of, the member State liquidator.

Power of court

5.33.— (1) On hearing the application for conversion into bankruptcy the court may make such order as it thinks fit.

(2) If the court makes an order for conversion into bankruptcy the order may contain all such consequential provisions as the court deems necessary or desirable.

(3) Where the court makes an order for conversion into bankruptcy under paragraph (1), any expenses properly incurred as expenses of the administration of the voluntary arrangement in question shall be a first charge on the bankrupt’s estate.

Section F: EC Regulation—Member State Liquidator

Interpretation of creditor and notice to member State liquidator

5.34.— (1) This Rule applies where a member State liquidator has been appointed in relation to the debtor.

(2) Where the supervisor is obliged to give notice to, or provide a copy of a document (including an order of court) to, the court or the official receiver, the supervisor shall give notice or provide copies, as appropriate, to the member State liquidator.

(3) Paragraph (2) is without prejudice to the generality of the obligations imposed by Article 31 of the EC Regulation (duty to cooperate and communicate information).”.