Spate of obscure queries

Overheard has recently discovered that the Financial Ombudsman Service has had to deal with a spate of obscure queries. Is a pet a family member? Is death by auto-erotic asphyxiation a suicide or an accidental death? And how can you ascertain whether a lap dancer at a strip club has performed to expected standards? Overheard was reassured the FOS deals with complaints with the utmost discretion, deciding what is fair and reasonable in particular circumstances.

Overheard would like to apologise for accidentally gatecrashing the Willis post-Christmas party, held for its employees at the Pacific Oriental bar in January. Overheard was en route to the Highway press party held at the same venue but got distracted. It was a pity the glasses of champagne had to be handed back, especially as there was none to be found at the Highway event.

However, as both parties got into full swing they eventually merged. Willis employees were busy congratulating themselves on a successful year and told Overheard the broker could "buy Aon at the drop of a hat if it wanted to" - but apparently it doesn't.

Overheard understands that the Press Gazette has been asking questions about the ethics of insurance journalists accepting a free ski trip to France from Norwich Union following its recently announced UK job cuts.

However, Overheard would like NU to know that it would have no problem accepting such a trip and understands the wine tasting, trip to thermal baths, and skiing were great fun.