§ Mrs. BrowningTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what representations Her Majesty's Government has made to the European Commission in respect of the audit system in place at Lloyds of London between 1978 to 1988; [84993]
680W(2) what representations Her Majesty's Government have made to the European Commission in respect of its supervision of Lloyds between 1978 and 1988; and if he will make a statement. [84995]
§ Ruth KellyThe Commission sent a formal letter to the Government on 21 December 2001, raising questions about the implementation of obligations imposed on the UK by EC legislation in respect of the Lloyd's insurance market. The Government replied in full on 30 April 2002. The Commission are still considering this reply. The Government is firmly convinced that we have fulfilled our obligations under Community Law. Correspondence of this sort between the Commission and Member States is regarded as confidential. These arrangements in practice enable cases to be taken forward in the most expeditious manner.