HL Deb 26 October 1999 vol 606 c21WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Falconer of Thoroton on 24 May (WA 67), whether their review of the organisation of public sector ombudsmen in England is likely to be concluded and published before the end of 1999; and, if not, when is the probable date of publication. [HL4111]

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

The review team are due to submit their report to Cabinet Office Ministers by the end of December 1999. The Government will then consider the publication of the report.

Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Falconer of Thoroton on 24 May (WA67), what are the reasons for confining their review of the organisation of public sector ombudsmen to England. [HL4110]

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

There are separate ombudsmen for Scotland and for Wales. It will be for the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Assembly respectively to decide whether to review their systems in due course. The Cabinet Office review team are, however, consulting the ombudsmen in the devolved areas.