Pensions Bill

Debate between Lord Faulkner of Worcester and Lord Lawson of Blaby

Monday 20th January 2014 Grand Committee

[Lord Lawson of Blaby]

At what point should I contribute to the discussion on this?

[The Deputy Chairman of Committees (Lord Faulkner of Worcester) (Lab)]

It will be possible for the noble Lord to speak briefly on his own amendment, Amendment 63. He has already spoken but he can certainly respond then.

--- Later in debate ---

[Lord Lawson of Blaby]

Thank you, Lord Chairman. You advised me that I need to move this amendment, which I am happy to do even though we have already had the debate on it. I will just say one or two things briefly. First, I thought the debate was very useful and I am particularly grateful to my noble friend the Minister for indicating that the Government accept that there is an issue here that needs to be addressed and that the Minister in the Commons, Steve Webb, will make an announcement about it later this week. Presumably, he will set out what he considers to be the remedy for the problem identified. It would certainly be churlish to persist with my amendment in the light of that. I will wait to see what Steve Webb and the Government have to say and then decide whether that is adequate or that it is necessary to pursue the matter further on Report.

I have two other quick points. First, the Minister said that the degree of specification for costs to be disclosed, as I have in my amendment, was not suitable for primary legislation. He is probably right but I interpret the meaning of that to be that he thinks it is suitable for secondary legislation. This is certainly a matter where legislation is needed and I am perfectly happy to accept his advice that there is a need for secondary legislation.

The other point is that the noble Lord, Lord Browne, suggested that between Mr Webb’s announcement and Report, he and I might discuss the matter to see what we feel about this. I am very happy to do that. This is not a party-political point, but if we think that the Government’s remedy is inadequate—I hope that will not be the case—it may be that he and I can agree an amendment to jointly move on Report in the best bipartisan traditions of this House.

Having said that, unless any Member of the Committee objects, I beg leave to—

[The Deputy Chairman of Committees]

The noble Lord should move the amendment first.

[Lord Lawson of Blaby]

Sorry, I thought I had moved it. I beg to move.

[The Deputy Chairman of Committees]

Does nobody wish to speak?

[Lord Lawson of Blaby]

The silence is eloquent and, in the light of it, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment.

[The Deputy Chairman of Committees]

Perfect.