HC Deb 01 July 1998 vol 315 cc182-3W
Mr. Healey

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received, and from whom, on incorporation of the functions of the Building Society Ombudsman into the proposed new single Ombudsman scheme within the proposed Financial Services Authority. [48067]

Mrs. Liddell

A number of representations have been received about the scope of the new single ombudsman scheme from ombudsman schemes, consumer groups, trade bodies and individuals.

Mr. Healey

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received on extending the remit of the Building Society Ombudsman to allow him to deal with the complaints he receives connected to building society conversions. [48065]

Mrs. Liddell

I have received a number of suggestions that the scheme be extended in this area, although the Ombudsman can already consider cases where a member of a converting society misses out on a share allocation or payment because of alleged mishandling of an account.

Mr. Healey

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the members of the Steering Group to set up the proposed new single Ombudsman scheme separately identifying its specialist advisers. [48068]

Mrs. Liddell

The Steering Group has been set up by the Financial Services Authority to advise it on the formation of the new scheme. I understand that its members are: Laurie Slade (Chairman), Peter Dean (Investment Ombudsman), Tony Holland (Personal Investment Authority Ombudsman), Walter Merricks (Insurance Ombudsman), Brian Murphy (Building Societies Ombudsman), David Thomas (Banking Ombudsman), Nick Walker (Financial Services Authority Head of Complaints Oversight and Policy) and Clare Boyle (Financial Services Authority Complaints Oversight and Policy Department). This committee is not a matter for Government.

Mr. Healey

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he last reviewed the operation of the Office of the Building Society Ombudsman and the extent of his remit. [48066]

Mrs. Liddell

The Office of the Building Society Ombudsman is a private body, recognised by the Building Societies Commission as complying with the requirements of a compensation scheme set out in the Building Societies Act 1986. Its remit was widened by the Building Societies Act 1997.

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