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Welfare Reform Bill

Now that we have heard from both halves of the Meacher and Layard double act, I want to put formally on the record how strongly we agree with what they say. I have had the benefit of talking to the noble Lord, Lord Layard, in my capacity as a Treasury spokesman, and clearly there are considerable positive financial implications in what he says. We are seized of that and think that this would be a wonderful opportunity for joined-up government if the various departments could get together. I support both halves of what they have been saying.