To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects Sir John Chadwick to report to him his advice on an Equitable Life ex-gratia payment scheme; and if he will make a statement. (293965)

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects Sir John Chadwick to issue his advice to Ministers on an ex-gratia compensation scheme for Equitable Life policyholders; and what estimate he has made of the time to be taken in dealing with compensation claims following the determination of the structure of the compensation scheme. (294928)

As I announced in the House on 21 October, the Government have asked Sir John Chadwick to submit his final report by spring 2010.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his policy is on compensating all Equitable Life policyholders for losses attributable to the manner in which Equitable Life was regulated. (294970)

As the Government set out in their response to the parliamentary ombudsman 15 January 2009, it will establish an ex-gratia payment scheme for Equitable Life policyholders who have suffered maladministration resulting in injustice. The Government have asked Sir John Chadwick to look at the data and advise on a number of issues relating to the extent of relative loses and their impact. The Government will introduce the payment scheme with the benefit of his advice and taking into account other considerations, including the state of the public purse.