Public examination of debtor

(1) Where the court makes a receiving order, it shall hold a public sitting, on a day to be appointed by the court, for the examination of the debtor, and the debtor shall attend thereat, and shall be examined as to his conduct, dealings and property. (2) The examination shall be held as soon as conveniently may be after the expiration of the time for the submission of the debtor’s statement of affairs. (3) The court may adjourn the examination from time to time. (4) Any creditor who has tendered a proof, or his representative authorised in writing, may question the debtor concerning his affairs, and the causes of his failure. (5) The Official Receiver shall take part in the examination of the debtor and for the purpose thereof, if specially authorised by the court, may employ an attorney-at-law. (6) If a trustee is appointed before the conclusion of the examination, he may take part therein. 18 (7) The court may put such questions to the debtor as it may think expedient. (8) The debtor shall be examined on oath, and it shall be his duty to answer all such questions as the court may put or allow to be put to him. (9) Such notes of the examination as the court thinks proper shall be taken down in writing, and shall be read over to or by the debtor and shall be signed by the debtor, and may thereafter be used in evidence against him, and they shall also be open to the inspection of any creditor at all reasonable times. (10) When the court is of the opinion that the affairs of the debtor have been sufficiently investigated, it shall, by order, declare that his examination is concluded, but such order shall not be made until after the day appointed for the first meeting (11) Where the debtor is a person of unsound mind or suffers from any such mental or physical affliction or disability as in the opinion of the court makes him unfit to attend his public examination, the court may make an order dispensing with such examination or directing that the debtor be examined on such terms, in such manner, and at such place as to the court seems expedient.