The petition relates to the Government's response to the parliamentary ombudsman's report on Equitable Life. I must declare an interest as a policyholder in the Equitable Life Assurance Society. As such, I might enjoy a financial benefit if the petitioners were successful in their endeavours.

The petitioners, who are my constituents, are policyholders in the assurance society, their survivors and their supporters. The petitioners state that, as policyholders, they have suffered maladministration leading to injustice, as found by the parliamentary ombudsman in her report of July 2008. Furthermore, they and those whom they represent have suffered regulatory failure on the part of the public bodies responsible from 1992 onwards, but have not received compensation for the resulting losses and outrage.

I have been handed 10 signatures in support of the petition. You are probably aware, Madam Deputy Speaker, that more than 400 members and former members of Equitable Life attended a rally here in Parliament last Wednesday.

The petition states:

To the House of Commons,

The Petition of residents of the constituency of North Dorset in the Dorset region of the U.K. regarding the Government's response to the Parliamentary Ombudsman's report 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 in full with the findings and recommendations of her Report upon Equitable Life.

And the Petitioners remain, etc.

[P000420]