§ Lord Lester of Herne Hillasked Her Majesty's Government: Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Bassam of Brighton on 9 October (WA 82), what further work is needed before they are able to decide whether the public should be given direct access to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration. [HL4806]
§ Lord Bassam of BrightonAs the Government's response to the Public Administration Select Committee's report on ombudsman issues (HC 448) makes clear, we are working to explore what more can be done under existing statutory arrangements to promote joint working between ombudsmen and ensure that ombudsmen arrangements are fit for purpose. We share the commitment of the ombudsman to delivering an accessible, flexible and comprehensive ombudsman service. We recognise there are constraints on joint working which must be addressed as part of this work. The issue of direct access to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration is being considered as part of this work.
§ Lord Lester of Herne Hillasked Her Majesty's Government: Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Bassam of Brighton on 9 October (WA 83), whether they will make the list of departmental contacts available to the media and to the public. [HL4807]
§ Lord Bassam of BrightonThe list is intended to be primarily of use to the ombudsman and her staff. There are no plans for it to be published formally, although it will be made available on request. A copy has been sent to the noble Lord.