To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he plans to respond to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman’s report into the prudential regulation of the Equitable Life Assurance Society from 1988 to the end of November 2001; and if he will establish a Commission as recommended by the Ombudsman in her report. (242413)

The Government have been giving very careful consideration to the Parliamentary Ombudsman’s report. The Government expect to be in a position to respond to the report in an oral statement to the House during the week commencing 12 January.