A number of leading figures in the field of insolvency have offered statements in support in relation to the Cork Archive.

“Insolvency is not a very thrilling or amusing subject”. So said Lord Mishcon according to Hansard (15 January 1985). That may be so, but bankruptcy has played an important part in our history since the 16th century. The [Cork Archive] is unique in its effort to record the legal history of this important aspect of our law and economy. Please support it if you can.”

Dr. Stephen Baister (Chief Bankruptcy Registrar of the High Court)

“The preservation, and proper maintenance, of this archive is a matter of front-line importance in the interests of enabling both scholars and practitioners to have access to this unique collection of material concerning the formative processes underlying our modern insolvency law. The Cork archive will be a vital resource for anyone investigating the underlying rationale, and policy considerations, which culminated in the Committee’s final recommendations.”

Professor Ian F. Fletcher QC (UCL)

“For historians of insolvency law two great names stand out: Cork and Muir Hunter.  An archive that preserves and illuminates the insights of these historic figures is of international importance for present and future scholars.”

Professor David Milman (Lancaster University)

“The report of the Cork Committee remains fundamental to understanding the policy underlying the ’86 Act and this project preserves a unique opportunity to go behind its conclusions through the working papers of one of its best known members.”

Dr. Hamish Anderson (Norton Rose solicitors)

“In preserving all of the policy documents that led to the Cork Report, Professor Muir Hunter QC has bequeathed a fantastic archive for insolvency law scholarship. I wholeheartedly support Dr. Tribe’s project to catalogue and digitise these materials. The sooner they are available for scholars the better.”

Professor Andrew Keay (University of Leeds)

“Looking back at these important documents from the recent past, it makes us appreciate that history is happening now.  I hope that the archive grows with contributions relating to the work of today for future scholars to examine and debate.”

Mr. Stephen Hunt (Griffins Insolvency Practitioners)

“For four generations the Cork family have been involved in the administration of insolvent estates. Sir Kenneth Cork (as he later became known) was chairman of the Cork Committee, which published a major review of insolvency law in the UK, known as the Cork Report in 1982.  This prompted a change in primary legislation and the subsequent introduction of the Insolvency Act 1986. As a firm we are delighted to be able to support this initiative to archive and digitise Professor Muir Hunter QC’s Cork Report working papers. These documents provide an unparalleled glimpse into insolvency law and policy development.”

Mr. Stephen Cork (Managing Partner, Cork Gully)

“The publication of the Cork Report was a seminal moment not only for Insolvency Law practice, but also for scholarship over a wide area.  The way a society deals with the problems of debt and bankruptcy is very revealing, and therefore of significance to historians, economists, political theorists, anthropologists and sociologists, as well as those engaged in legal research. This rich archive – administered as it is by a noteworthy legal historian in an institution of high repute – will be of inestimable value to those who practice and make policy in commercial law, as well as to a wide range of scholars.”

Professor Harry Rajak (Emeritus Professor of Law, University of Sussex Law School)