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Parliamentary Pensions

The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right. I do not want to undermine the parliamentary contributory pension fund, or, for that matter, contributory pension funds in any other public service. My right hon. Friend the Member for Islwyn (Mr. Touhig) and I represent remarkably similar seats and many of our constituents will earn considerably less than we earn as MPs. Many of their public sector pensions may be secure, but that does not necessarily mean that they will be very large. I fully support the current pensions scheme. The Government are keen to ensure that we do not overburden the taxpayer on account of our contributions, but we obviously need to ensure that proper provision is made for all hon. Members so that they do not live in indigency in their old age. Question put and agreed to.