Oral Answers to Questions

Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown Excerpts

Wednesday 30th June 2010 Commons Chamber

The Secretary of State was asked—

[Dr William McCrea (South Antrim) (DUP)]

1. What progress has been made in providing assistance to savers affected by the current situation of the Presbyterian Mutual Society.

[The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mr Owen Paterson)]

Both the Prime Minister and I have publicly stated our firm commitment to working with the Northern Ireland Executive to ensure a just and fair resolution to the PMS situation, and all options are being considered. The reconvened ministerial working group will meet soon to review progress, and I will be its chairman.

[Dr McCrea]

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of those with savings of less than £20,000 in the PMS are in the older age bracket? As a result, they have been denied access to their savings for more than 20 months and have faced hardship and great distress. Does he appreciate that the urgent resolution of this situation is necessary? What timetable is he working on to resolve it?

[Mr Paterson]

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his question. I totally appreciate the severity of the pressures, particularly on older people, who are having trouble paying nursing home fees and so on. I would love to set a timetable, but I cannot do so. All I can say is that this Government take this issue seriously, we will get a grip on it, we have reconvened the working group and I will chair it. I very much hope that we will arrive at a solution.