Legal Services Bill [HL]

I know from discussions that I have had outside the Chamber with the noble Lord, Lord Thomas of Gresford, that he feels strongly about this provision. I shall set out how we think that this will work and the reasons for it. Noble Lords will then have the opportunity to consider it. We have sought to make sure that we can get the office up and running as soon as possible. I shall make two points straightaway. We have consulted many stakeholders, who are broadly content with what we are doing and why, because they see the need to get on with it. The appointment will be made by open competition. The role of the interim chief executive will be limited to laying the operational foundations of the OLC by taking forward work relating to financial management systems, HR policy and procedure, pay structures, terms and conditions, pensions and IT. He will not be able to make scheme rules because they will be the responsibility—