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Pensions Bill

I have listened to the debate and—I had better say this cautiously—found myself very much persuaded by what the noble Baroness, Lady Hollis, said. There is a slight, very unusual, division between myself and my noble friend, but certainly not on a grammar school scale at this stage. Buying back is an extremely good idea which should be encouraged. I am not sure that it adds to the noble Baroness’s advocacy of the citizen’s pension because I do not think that it fits in with that. However, if we continue with the contributory principle, it would certainly fit in. We do not have an insurance principle; we have a contributory principle. As I understand the Government’s policy, we shall continue with the contributory principle. Therefore, one wants to make that contributory principle and its practice as flexible as one conceivably can. It is common sense to follow what the noble Baroness, Lady Hollis, suggested. I should point out that buying back takes place elsewhere in the public sector in the occupational area. For example, Members of Parliament are allowed to buy back although none of us former Members, myself included, can remember how many years we can go back. However, I think you will find that it is a little more than the six years that the Government specify. I have not yet heard a good reason why this amendment should be rejected but I have heard very good reasons why we should accept it. It would certainly benefit women to a very large extent. It may not be correctly drafted but I hope that the Government will at least accept the principle of it.