Schedule 1

Part of Legal Services Bill [Lords] – in a Public Bill Committee at 12:15 pm on 12 June 2007.

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Photo of Jonathan Djanogly Jonathan Djanogly Shadow Minister (Business, Innovation and Skills), Shadow Solicitor General, Shadow Minister (Justice), Shadow Solicitor General 12:15, 12 June 2007

Apart from the fact that the ombudsman is not in a regulatory role, we have had an Office of Fair Trading report, two other reports, a White Paper and a Bill that has gone through the House of Lords. That is what is different. As Lord Hunt pointed out in the other place, the matter is all about balance. It would be quite wrong, or even indefensible, to establish an appointments process so evidently lacking in checks and balances. The Legal Services Board must not only be independent, but be seen to be independent. How else are to we to ensure that independence is not siphoned off by the Government?