§ Mr. MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make it his policy to provide that accountancy firms criticised in DTI inspectors' reports are required(a) to state that they have understood the criticisms and (b) to demonstrate that they have taken steps to deal with shortcomings. [82646]
§ Mr. Ian McCartneyNo. It would be for the appropriate recognised professional body to consider whether any action needed to be taken by a firm criticised in an inspectors' report. The new framework of regulation for the accountancy profession, which I announced recently, will provide for the independent Investigation and Discipline Board to consider such a case where it raises significant issues of public concern.