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Pensions Bill

I am indeed attracted to that idea, because I suggested it in the Budget debate last year and the year before. On the issue of non-take-up, I have met the staff of the Public and Commercial Services Union who administer such schemes. Part of the problem—I return to this—is that we have identified a consistent level of non-take-up over the past five years of between 38 and 40 per cent. That is a result of the complexities of the system, but hon. Members should also not underestimate the stigma that is still attached to means-tested benefits. People do not want to sit down and display all their private income and private doings. As has been mentioned, we are talking about a generation who have a fierce sense of pride. They are right to be proud of what they have gone through, in constructing the welfare state after the second world war and giving most of us the opportunities that we have taken, from a decent education system, a decent health system, housing and so on. They have a sense of pride in what they have achieved and they do not want to be demeaned by being forced through the means-testing system. As has been pointed out, we now face the prospect of 60 per cent. of them being forced into that process if the system continues as it is. I appeal to the Government tonight to give us a definitive statement. Let us expedite this matter and put it to rest. Let us right the wrong that the previous Conservative Administration inflicted on our community.