Pensions Bill [Lords]

Debate between Jo Swinson and Iain Duncan Smith

Monday 20th June 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Duncan Smith]

The only answer is that, so far, it is seven years away for women. I recognise the concerns, but I have had letters from the public stirred up by a number of people, and the facts have been simply incorrect. I am trying to set out the facts as we see them. The hon. Gentleman may disagree with us, but often people fear that something is going to happen overnight. There is some warning.

[Jo Swinson (East Dunbartonshire) (LD)]

I think there is general acceptance that with increased longevity the pension age needs to be considered, including the current unfair distinction between men and women. However, there is a particular group of women who will be badly affected. I welcome the Secretary of State’s saying that he will consider transitional arrangements. Is he willing to consider with an open mind amendments in Committee and on Report, or other solutions that might be brought forward, to help that particular group of women?

[Mr Duncan Smith]

My hon. Friend tempts me enormously, but she will forgive me if I do not give in to that temptation. Let me simply repeat what I said earlier—it is a bit like a recording, but I shall do it none the less: we have no plans to change equalisation in 2018, or the age of 66 for both men and women in 2020, but we will consider transitional arrangements.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Jo Swinson and Iain Duncan Smith

Monday 22nd November 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr Duncan Smith]

We believe that we will lift some 350,000 people in that category out of the poverty that we inherited. I am not going to give any significant answer to the second part of the hon. Gentleman’s question, simply because I am happy to write to him in due course and give him the figures. His party says it accepts and supports this process, and the reality is that the universal credit has the biggest effect on the poorest people trying to get back into work. That surely has to be welcomed by him and the whole of his party.

[Jo Swinson (East Dunbartonshire) (LD)]

17. What assessment he has made of the likely effects of the Work programme on unemployed people who volunteer.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Jo Swinson and Iain Duncan Smith

Monday 18th October 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr Duncan Smith]

That is very tempting. I am happy to discuss that with the right hon. Gentleman, and I am definitely tempted in his direction.

[Jo Swinson (East Dunbartonshire) (LD)]

10. What steps his Department is taking to enforce payment of child support by parents who refuse to pay.