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Occupational Pensions

We have considered the ombudsman’s report carefully. It is the first time in more than 40 years that my Department has taken such a view of an ombudsman’s report. We have not done that lightly or in a cavalier way, as the hon. Gentleman suggested. I can only reiterate the points that I have tried to make repeatedly about the existence of the financial assistance scheme, the reasons for setting it up and the group of people whom we wanted it to help at the beginning of its operations—those in the greatest need and closest to retirement who cannot make alternative financial arrangements. I have made it repeatedly clear that we are taking a further longer look at the financial assistance scheme and I hope to present proposals as soon as possible.