It is my sad duty to present a petition on behalf of the constituents of Mid-Worcestershire regarding the Government's response to the parliamentary ombudsman's reports on Equitable Life. The petitioners are all directly or indirectly affected by the maladministration relating to the Equitable Life Assurance Society and the regulatory failure on the part of public bodies responsible. They have suffered grave injustice as a result, but have yet to receive any compensation for the resulting losses.

I strongly associate myself with the petitioners, who state:

The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to uphold the constitutional standing of the Parliamentary Ombudsman by complying with the findings and recommendations of her Report upon Equitable Life.

Following is the full text of the petition:

[The Petition of residents of the Constituency of Mid-Worcestershire in the West Midlands region of the UK regarding the Government's response to the Parliamentary Ombudsman's reports on Equitable Life,

Declares that the Petitioners either are or they represent or support members, former members or personal representatives of deceased members of the Equitable Life Assurance Society who have suffered maladministration leading to injustice, as found by the Parliamentary Ombudsman in her report upon Equitable Life, ordered by the House of Commons to be printed on 16 July 2008 and bearing reference number HC 815; and further declares that the Petitioners or those whom they represent or support have suffered regulatory failure on the part of the public bodies responsible from the year 1992 onwards, but have not received compensation for the resulting losses and outrage.

The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to uphold the constitutional standing of the Parliamentary Ombudsman by complying with the findings and recommendations of her Report upon Equitable Life.

And the Petitioners remain, etc.]

[P000434]