Bankruptcy Act 1966

PART XIV - OFFENCES  

SECTION 277A   KEEPING OF BOOKS IN RESPECT OF PERIOD OF BANKRUPTCY  

277A(1)   [Bankrupt must keep books etc, retain books]  

Subject to this section, a bankrupt must:

(a) keep books that record and explain any income derived by the bankrupt, record the particulars of any employment of the bankrupt, and record and explain any other dealings, transactions or other financial or business affairs of the bankrupt, during the period of the bankruptcy; and

(b) retain the books until discharged from the bankruptcy.

277A(2)   [Writing so that liability ascertainable]  

The bankrupt must:

(a) keep the books in writing in the English language or so as to enable the books to be readily accessible and convertible into writing in the English language; and

(b) keep the books so as to enable any liability of the bankrupt arising under this Act by virtue of any acts, transactions or other matters occurring during the period of the bankruptcy to be readily ascertainable.

277A(3)   [Must produce books - retain]  

A person who has possession of any books referred to in subsection (1) must:

(a) produce the books to the trustee or to the Official Receiver when requested to do so; and

(b) retain the books until the bankrupt is discharged.

277A(4)   [Written notice - retention not necessary]  

A person is not required to retain books if the trustee or the Official Receiver, by written notice given to the person, has told the person that the retention of those books is not necessary.

Penalty: Imprisonment for 6 months.