Ms Elizabeth Arnett:

I will begin. I will make reference to the first comments made by the Chairman on scant disregard for the workings of the House. That certainly is not the position we take in any way, shape or form. With respect to the constraints we feel are on us during a closed period, I raised those matters with the committee before Christmas. Mr. Mallon's resignation came last week and we were unaware it was coming. We were looking for a three-week deferment of our appearance in order that we would be out of the closed period to allow for a discussion on other topics. I note the Chairman questioned our bona fides in this respect and this instructs us that we have a long way to go before we will build trust with the Chairman and the committee. We will certainly work to do this.

On the individual customers to whom the Chairman made reference, I apologise because my understanding was we had resolved those issues. I contacted the Chairman's office this week to make sure I had followed up on everything. That is my fault entirely and I apologise for it. I will look into it. I can only apologise for my own failing in respect of that.