Regulatory Reform (Collaboration etc. between Ombudsmen) Order 2007

My Lords, first, I must correct one matter. The Minister’s arithmetic is as bad as mine—it is 40, not 30, years since 1967. Secondly, I referred to an anomaly because the order seeks to bring together three ombudsmen and to harmonise their work, but only one of them will be fettered in terms of rights of access. It is also an anomaly in the sense that no other country in the world imposes such a provision. However, I am extremely grateful to the Minister. It is extremely good news for the citizen if, in the other place, it is realised that this must in some sense change. Finally, I remind the Minister that I am not pressing for an absolute, unfettered right of access. In one of my Bills I suggested that one could, say, go to the Member of Parliament first and if, after six weeks, the issue did not reach the ombudsman, one should go direct; there are other ways of doing it. I hope that this will be taken very seriously. I commend the fact that the other place is a catalyst for change and I hope that the Government will listen to it.