e statement is open to the inspection of creditors.
He must also in every case submit to a public examination in court, in
which the official receiver, the trustee and any creditor who has proved
his debt may take part. His evidence may be used against him. He may
further be specially examined by the court at any time with reference to
his dealings or property. He must attend the first meeting of creditors,
wait upon the official receiver, trustee and special manager, and give all
necessary information, and generally do all acts which may reasonably be
required of him with the view of securing a full investigation of his
affairs. He may be arrested if there is reasonable ground for believing
that he is about to abscond, destroy papers or remove goods, or if he fails
without good cause to attend any examination ordered by the court. The
court may also for a period of three months order his letters to be
re-addressed by the post-office to the official receiver or trustee. With
regard to persons other than the debtor, any person capable of giving
information respecting the debtor, his dealings or property, may be
examined by the court, and a summary order may be made against such person
for delivery of any property belonging to the debtor.

_First Meeting of Creditors._

This meeting is summoned by the official receiver, notice being given in
the _London Gazette_ and in a local paper, and sent by post to each
creditor. A summary of the statement of affairs should accompany the
notice, with any observations by the official receiver which he may think
fit to make. The object of the meeting is to decide whether any proposal
for payment of a composition or for a scheme of arrangement submitted by
the debtor is to be entertained, or whether an application should be made
to the court to adjudicate the debtor bankrupt. In the latter case the
meeting may by an ordinary resolution appoint a trustee with or without a
committee of inspection. It may also give any directions as to the
administration of the estate. The meeting should be held at the place most
convenient for the majority of the creditors. It is presided over by the
official receiver or his deputy, who, subject to appeal to the court,
admits or rejects proofs for the purpose of voting. For the transaction of
business three creditors qualified to vote, or all the creditors if fewer
than three, must be present or represented. Only persons who have proved
their debts are en