Clause 60 - Funding of ombudsman scheme
Consumer Credit Bill
3:44 pm
Mr Laurence Robertson (Shadow Minister, Economic Affairs; Tewkesbury, Conservative)
As my hon. Friend the Member for North-East Bedfordshire (Alistair Burt) has said, the Minister has a reputation on the football field for letting nothing past him. However, that does not mean that the Opposition stops trying. In spite of the Minister's detailed response I am not satisfied that these arrangements are in keeping with the spirit of natural justice. At one point, the Minister said that if firms that were cleared of an accusation did not pay, those that had cases proved against them would have to pay more. Well, what is wrong with that? That is in keeping with the spirit of natural justice.
I accept that there may have to be an annual fee so that the body can operate. I do not dispute that; neither does my amendment. However, it is not right that a firm should have to pay a fee when the case against it is not proven and, indeed, is thrown out. That is simply not right. Therefore on this rare occasion the Minister has failed to persuade me that we should let this one go. As on the football field we shall have to try to slip this one past him. I realise that he has the officials on his side just as he has on the football field but I do want to press the matter to a Division.
Question put, That the amendment be made:—
The Committee divided: Ayes 5, Noes 7.