FURTHER PARLIAMENTARY OMBUDSMAN REPORT ON EQUITABLE LIFE

That this House notes the findings of the report by the Parliamentary Ombudsman on Equitable Life; further notes the Ombudsman's letter to all hon. Members in which the Ombudsman indicated her intention to take the unusual step of using powers under the Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1967 to present Parliament with a further report; recognises the vital role the Ombudsman plays in public life; reaffirms the duty of Parliament to take adequate account of the Ombudsman's decisions; and further notes with concern that over 30,000 Equitable Life policyholders have died without seeing their situation resolved since the Society's near-collapse in 2000.