Clause 40
Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions Bill [Lords]
5:30 pm
Mark Prisk (Shadow Minister, Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform; Hertford and Stortford, Conservative)
I spoke earlier of the potential injustice of a regulator both issuing a notice of intent to find somebody and then being the recipient of objections to that decision. Amendments Nos. 34 and 35 seek to correct that injustice by providing the option of having an independent person hear those objections. Specifically, the amendments would allow the LBRO to appoint that person, but they must be independent of the regulator concerned and they must have the relevant qualifications and experience. Although I think that parts of the procedure have merits, other parts have problems and the amendments will help by giving the accused—if we can use that phrase in this context—the sense that they have an option to seek some form of independent perspective on the matter rather than simply being able to turn back only to the regulator who is trying to fine them in the first place. I hope that the Minister will consider the matter with care.
I imagine that I address amendment No. 41 a little later on, Mr. Chope.