CONDUCT OF INDEPENDENT ADVISER ON EQUITABLE LIFE

That this House notes with intense anger and frustration the refusal of Sir John Chadwick to meet the 140-strong All-Party Group for Justice for Equitable Life Policyholders; further notes that, while these 140 hon. Members have several pressing questions for Sir John to answer, he refuses to interact with representatives in Parliament; further notes that the refusal of Sir John to meet the Group is typical of the subservience of the establishment to the present Government; is appalled that, at a time when 15 Equitable Life policyholders are dying every day, and while thousands of other policyholders worry for their livelihoods in retirement, Sir John is frequently abroad; further notes that he is presently out of the country until 29 June; draws attention to the fact that Sir John's main assistant dealing with enquiries while he is abroad, Mr Simon Bor, is seconded from the Treasury, and considers this to be a complete conflict of interest; and has no confidence in Sir John in his capacity as independent adviser to the Government in relation to the Equitable Life ex-gratia payment scheme and calls on him to resign this position with immediate effect.