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Pensions Bill

My hon. Friend congratulated our hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle upon Tyne, Central (Jim Cousins), who brought to the surface the fact that the tax credit argument does not work, because of the high level of non-take-up, particularly at the older end of the spectrum. Is my hon. Friend attracted by the idea of the Government announcing tonight that they will increase the additional pension at 80, which currently stands at £25 a week, by £8 or £10 a week, as an inexpensive interim gesture of good will? That would be affordable and would help to hold the fort for some of our oldest pensioners.