Written question asked by Mark Todd (Labour) on Tuesday, 17 December 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 19 December 2002. It was answered by Ian McCartney (Labour) on Thursday, 19 December 2002 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Dept for Work and Pensions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will make a statement on the outcome of his Department's discussions with representatives of the Maxwell Communications Pension Plan.

Answer: Mr. Todd: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the outcome of his Department's discussions with representatives of the Maxwell Communications Pension Plan. [88315] Mr. McCartney: The Government are aware of the difficulties surrounding the Maxwell Communications Pension Plan and sympathises with those affected. We have had discussions with the Independent Trustee of the Plan, The Law Debenture Trust Corporation plc. The difficulties faced by the Plan are not connected to Maxwell's original fraud but reflect the subsequent performance of the pension fund in relation to the scheme's liabilities. As we have made clear to Law Debenture, this is an issue for the trustees, not the Government.

Secondary information