Written question asked by Lord Myners (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Sassoon (Conservative) on Thursday, 15 December 2011.

Pensions

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether in its discussions with pension funds on participation in infrastructure investment there have been any detailed discussions on the rates of return required by the pension funds; and whether the pensions funds expect government guarantees in respect of some or all of the investment.

Answer: Her Majesty's Government have, to date, been involved in a series of discussions with pension funds on a wide range of issues to help facilitate and increase their investment in UK infrastructure. The Treasury has entered into a memorandum of understanding with pension funds to continue and take forward more detailed discussions to increase pension fund investment in UK infrastructure. However, required rates of return will, as with other investors, be a matter for the pension funds themselves. A public statement of progress will be announced at the Budget.

Secondary information