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Pensions Bill

I thank the noble Lord for that intervention. I want to be clear with regard to data sharing, about which there was some difficulty in the Energy Bill. Essentially, data sharing needs to be proportionate; that is, there needs to be a beneficial outcome for the great majority of those whose data are shared, and one that as far as possible is awarded automatically. That is why we can proceed with this—we have the opportunity to do so. If we have a welfare reform Bill next year, we will have another opportunity to do more. The noble Lord, Lord Kirkwood, said that the Government were passing the buck to energy suppliers. I do not agree at all. There is a range of issues on which the Government are playing a direct part—I will not go through the whole list; the noble Lord is very familiar with them—regarding winter fuel payments, but this is an opportunity to work with the suppliers and we shall be grateful for the role they will play. The noble Lord also touched upon the important issue of consent. A potential opt-out is being considered and worked through, and it would help to address that issue. Data security is vital; it is at the heart of ensuring that the system works as we would want it to. The noble Lord, Lord Skelmersdale, asked how the power will be used. The Bill specifies that it may be used only for the benefit of people on pension credits; regulations will have to work within that and other legal frameworks. I hope that that has dealt with the range of points raised. This is an important issue. I am grateful for the support of noble Lords. We need to move ahead with this and then do more at subsequent opportunities. On Question, amendment agreed to.