This is the first in a group of sections which deals with the management of the bankrupt's estate and which implements the recommendations of the committee regarding the future status of the Official Assignee and his office, powers and functions. The recommendations envisage that the Examiner will no longer have a function in relation to the administration of the bankrupt's estate. Section 60 deals with the office of the Official Assignee. The statutory basis of the office, that is paragraph 3 of the Eight Schedule to the Courts (Supplemental Provisions) Act, 1961, remains unchanged. Subsection (1) replaces in modern form section 12 of the Court Officers Act, 1926, which is being repealed. Subsections (2) and (3) implement the committee's recommendation that the court messenger should be renamed bankruptcy inspector. Paragraph 22 of the Eighth Schedule to the 1961 Act referred to in subsection (2) deals generally with the employment of staff in the offices attached to the High Court, the Supreme Court and the President of the High Court.
SECTION 60.
Question proposed: "That section 60 stand part of the Bill."
Question put and agreed to.