Oral Answers to Questions

Michael Connarty Excerpts

Tuesday 8th June 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gauke]

We are keen for the independent commission to design the scheme, but one of the points that we have made clear is that the dependants of deceased policyholders should be included in the scheme to address that point. Clearly, however, my hon. Friend highlights the need to move quickly, after 10 years of inadequate progress.

[Michael Connarty (Linlithgow and East Falkirk) (Lab)]

On the question of Equitable Life, there can be few constituencies that do not contain people who are waiting for payment or people who have died while waiting for payment. Is it not shocking that one of the main perpetrators of the Equitable Life fraud—for that is what it was—will, after last weekend, be able to take up a senior position in a financial institution? Can the Government re-examine what happened in that process, so that these people are not allowed to have senior financial positions in future?

[Mr Gauke]

I hope that the hon. Gentleman will understand that I am not going to be drawn on an individual case without all the information in front of me. He has made his point very clear.