682. (1) In this section “insolvent company” has the same meaning as it has in Chapter 3 (restrictions on directors of insolvent companies) of Part 14.

(2) In a winding up of an insolvent company, the liquidator shall, within 6 months after the date of his or her appointment, and at intervals as required by the F523[Authority thereafter, provide to the Authority] a report F524[in the form prescribed by the Minister].

(3) F523[The Authority may] require the liquidator of an insolvent company—

(a) to answer, whether orally or in writing, any question that the F523[Authority] reasonably puts to the liquidator concerning the contents of a report made by the liquidator under subsection (2), the affairs of the company or the conduct of any director of the company (as that expression is to be read in accordance with section 683(1) (b)), and

(b) to give such other assistance (as he or she is reasonably able to give) to the F523[Authority for the purpose of the Authority’s appraisal of such a report or the Authority’s examination of any fact or allegation contained in it or which comes to the Authority’s knowledge by reason of an answer given under paragraph (a) or otherwise through the Authority’s] performance of functions under this Act,

and the liquidator shall comply with such a requirement.

(4) The F523[Authority’s powers under subsection (3) are in addition to the powers of the Authority] or any other person under any other provision of this Act.

(5) A liquidator who fails to comply with subsection (2) or a requirement under subsection (3) shall be guilty of a category 3 offence.