HC Deb 16 January 1995 vol 252 cc357-8W
Mrs. Peacock

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make it his policy to institute an independent watchdog to oversee professional bodies which have self-regulatory powers.

Mr. Jonathan Evans

I have no plans to establish a body to oversee, professional bodies which have self-regulatory powers.

Mrs. Peacock

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received that the recognised professional bodies, to whom he has granted self-regulatory powers, are not acting within their own guidelines on the question of integrity within their complaints procedure.

Mr. Jonathan Evans

I have, on occasion, received representations that a complaint made against a member of a recognised professional body has not been dealt with fairly and/or promptly. Such representations are taken up by my officials.

Mrs. Peacock

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make it his policy to take action against members of registered professional bodies who fail to work within their own fundamental principles.

Mr. Jonathan Evans

Where a recognised professional body is satisfied that a member has not observed the rules and regulations of the body which governs his professional conduct, it is a matter for that body to decide what disciplinary action should be taken.