Posted by Pete Warren on 28 October 2000 at 18:25:36:
My MP, David Willets, has forwarded to me a copy of the letter he received from the ombudsman office. I'm appending it here for information.
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Dear Mr Willetts
Thank you for your letter of 9 October concerning the IBM employees in your constituency
and the complaint that has been made to the Pensions Ombudsman about changes to IBM's
pension arrangements. I am replying on behalf of the Pensions Ombudsman, Dr Farrand.
As far as the complaint under investigation is concerned, I am afraid there is very little that I
can tell you. The investigation is in progress, though not at an advanced stage. You will
understand that it would not be proper for me to comment on the substance of the case, and
no conclusions should be drawn from the fact that the Ombudsman's discretion to investigate
has been exercised.
As I am sure you know, the completion of an investigation by the Ombudsman results in a
Determination which is final and binding on the parties, subject only to appeal in the High
Court on a point of law. The complainant in the case under investigation will be given
opportunity to comment on representations made by others, and will be kept informed as to
the progress of the investigation. There are, however, certain confidentiality requirements
which, until that investigation is complete, will inhibit his ability to give details of it to others
with similar interests unless he obtains the Ombudsman's permission to do so.
I have recorded your interest in the matter on our files. The final Determination is, in effect,
a public document and I have marked our records to the effect that you should be sent a copy.
Yours sincerely
A J L King
Casework Director