§ Mr. Jonathan EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he expects to respond to the Social Security Committee's report published on 12 January.
§ Mr. LilleyI shall want to read the Committee's report carefully before responding fully. But my immediate response is to endorse firmly its main objective, the early distribution of assets already recovered or in the common investment fund to the Maxwell pension schemes.
The Committee makes two recommendations intended to help secure that objective. I have, in line with its first recommendation, asked Sir John Cuckney to continue to encourage mediation as a preferred course of action. In this he has my firm support and backing. If rapid progress cannot be made in the common investment fund by agreement I hope all parties will consider mediation.
The Committee also recommended that Sir John's role be extended to help ensure that any administrator or liquidator does not delay a settlement by pursuing highly doubtful claims to assets that were once in the possession of Robert Maxwell companies. These office holders are variously appointed by, and are accountable to, the court or the creditors. The scope for direct action by other parties is therefore limited. However, I have agreed with Sir John that he will be available to assist the office-holders wherever possible.