HL Deb 29 January 2002 vol 631 cc28-9WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they intend to introduce legislation to give the public a right of direct access to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration. [HL2273]

The Minister for the Cabinet Office and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Lord Macdonald of Tradeston):

In July of last year the Government made a statement following consultation on the review of the public sector ombudsmen in England. The statement confirmed the Government's intention to replace existing arrangements with a unified and flexible ombudsman body to which the public would have direct access. The remit of this body will include that of the current Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration.

Proposals for the precise powers, jurisdiction and accountability of the new body will be published shortly.

The legislation required to implement the new arrangements will be made as soon as parliamentary time allows.