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National Insurance Contributions Bill

I reject absolutely challenges of dishonesty around this matter. The Government have been very clear and open about how this package was put together and the consequences of changes made in the 2007 Budget. As for continual quotation of the Turner commission and looking at 2010 as a start date for the earnings link, the Pensions Commission judgment was that a short delay in introducing the earnings link beyond 2010 would not seriously undermine the overall direction of the proposed reform—although, if it were much later, then it might. A lot of work has gone into building a consensus. The Government are not trying to disturb this consensus; if anyone is trying to do that, it is the noble Baroness for the Opposition.