Appendix: Government response
I would like to thank the Justice Committee for its
report published on 31 October regarding the appointment of the
Chair of the Office for Legal Complaints (OLC).
As the Minister in charge of the legal services reform
agenda, I read the report with great interest. As you are aware,
appointing the Chair of the OLC was the first pre-appointment
hearing for both the Ministry of Justice and the Committee and
I am delighted to learn of the support and endorsement contained
in the report of the chosen candidate, Elizabeth France, CBE.
The questions posed by the Committee on a number
of key issues relevant to the appointment have firmly cemented
Ms France's suitability as Chair of the OLC and I note that the
Committee is entirely satisfied that she meets the criteria necessary
for the role. This approval of the appointment is a significant
milestone for the scheduled implementation of the Legal Services
Act 2007 and begins the building of a new organisation that will
inspire public confidence.
The Chair of the OLC will play a significant role
in protecting the public's rights and I thank the Committee again
for its consideration of this significant appointment.
Bridget Prentice MP
17 November 2008
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