Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Bill [HL]

My Lords, I am grateful to the noble Lord, Lord Newton. I agree that the provisions that the amendment proposes to repeal, which, as the noble Lord said, go back to the original ombudsman legislation 40 years ago, could get in the way of effective and efficient redress of grievances and resolution of disputes. Much has changed in the courts, tribunals and ombudsman world. We need provisions that reflect a more sophisticated understanding of the proper relationship between these institutions. I accept that we may well need to get rid of the absolute bar on ombudsman action when legal proceedings have been commenced. However, as the noble Lord knows, I need to take the opportunity to consider whether further measures might also be needed to achieve the desired result. I also want to take the opportunity to consider whether there are other ombudsmen to whom any changes should apply, such as the Public Services Ombudsman in Wales. I am sure your Lordships will agree that these are important issues. I am keen that we should get them right. If the noble Lord agrees and is prepared to withdraw his amendment, I am happy to undertake to consider the matter further and come back to it at Third Reading.