§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list those who have(a) been asked to contribute to his review of the financial regulatory system in the Channel Islands and Isle of Man and (b) offered contributions; and if this review will hold public evidence sessions. [47726]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienThe detailed conduct of the Review is the responsibility of Mr. Andrew Edwards, in consultation with Home Office officials and the authorities in the Channel Islands and Isle of Man. 23W Mr. Edwards has had extensive consultations with the Island authorities, with private sector practitioners and with others in the Islands. In addition, he has consulted widely within the United Kingdom and elsewhere.
I understand that he has no plans to hold sessions open to the general public; but in the early stages of this Review Mr. Edwards issued statements to the media in the Islands inviting anyone who felt they had something to contribute to the Review to write to him at the Home Office. I understand that firms and individuals in the Islands have responded positively to this invitation.
Although this is an internal Review, the Home Secretary announced to the House on 20 January 1998, Official Report, columns 506–08, that a summary of its main conclusions would be published.