Although I tabled the early-day motion on the Badman report, I rise to present a petition on behalf of constituents of mine who are concerned about the Equitable Life saga and, in particular, the failure of Her Majesty's Government to fulfil, in full, the recommendations of the ombudsman. That subject has been much debated in this House.

The petition states:

The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to uphold the constitutional standing of the Parliamentary Ombudsman by complying- in full- 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 West Dorset,

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. ]

[P000454]