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Pensions Bill

moved Amendment No. 33: 33: Schedule 1, page 78, line 11, at end insert— ““(1A) Subject to sub-paragraph (1B), the Secretary of State must consult the chair of the corporation before appointing an ordinary member (that is, a member who is not, on appointment, also appointed as chair). (1B) A vacancy in the office of chair does not prevent the appointment of an ordinary member.”” The noble Lord said: My Lords, we had a discussion on Report about the role of the chair of the trustee corporation. The noble Baroness, Lady Noakes, and the noble Lord, Lord Oakeshott, gave the House the benefit of their extensive boardroom experience, in particular on the distinct role of the chair. Their argument on the need for the chair to be involved in the appointment process of other members was entirely sensible and we committed to bringing back an amendment that would confirm this. Amendment No. 33 requires the Secretary of State to consult the chair before appointing any other members of the trustee corporation. Proposed new sub-paragraph (1B) ensures that, if the chair is vacant, that will not prevent another member of the trustee corporation from being appointed. It also allows for a group of inaugural members to be appointed, along with the inaugural chair. I beg to move.