---

Saving Gateway Accounts Bill

What would Ministers do without officials? I thank the Minister for that. The issue is whether a passing acquaintance with the benefits system should be allowed to generate access to a very privileged little savings scheme. I understand the problem that is caused by the HMRC not necessarily having access to the information, and indeed I highlighted that earlier when I said that the HMRC is not good at handling things in real time; it is always behind the pace. It is the use of the HMRC that in part is causing the problem. If the Government had chosen to use DWP, they probably could have used a simpler mechanism with the arrangements set up so that a voucher is issued.