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Pensions Bill

In view of the time, I shall not make such extensive remarks as I had intended, for example, in relation to Amendment No. 130EW, which the Minister dismissed rather quickly. He does not wish to have a reference to increasing the risks to the matters referred to in the amendment. Much of that is arguable and not simply to be dismissed. The most important point that has come out from the noble Lord, Lord Oakeshott, and from my noble friend Lord Lucas is that it is not a matter of consulting on regulations. We believe that Amendment No. 130EW is unacceptable in its current form. Precisely how it needs to be changed is open for discussion. When we resume our consideration in Committee, I believe we should go through those remaining issues which have been identified by my noble friend’s amendments because each in its own way raises some of the concerns that go to the heart of why people are unhappy with the Government’s proposals. I hope that by the time we return to Committee, the Minister will be able to respond. It would be a gesture of good faith on the part of the Government not to move this amendment. They would lose nothing by so doing and it would demonstrate that the Government were prepared to listen and to engage fully with the community which has real, genuine concerns about the potential impact on the way in which business operates in this country. With that, I beg leave to withdraw Amendment No. 130EX. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.