To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what research he has commissioned into professional indemnity insurance requirements of independent financial advisers beyond 2003; and if he will make a statement; [99027](2) pursuant to his answer of 10 February,
Official Report, column 602W, on independent financial advisers, if he will make a statement concerning the professional indemnity insurance requirements of independent financial advisers. [998129]
The Financial Services Authority tell me that they are continuing to monitor the market for professional indemnity insurance for independent financial advisers.The results of the FSA work to date are set out in their Consultation Paper 169, "Professional Indemnity Insurance for personal investment firms—consultation on rule changes; and discussion of other policy options", which they issued on 3 February 2003.Practitioners, and others with views, should respond to the FSA consultation.