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Welfare Reform Bill

I should start by thanking the noble Countess, Lady Mar, for these amendments, because they have raised an important issue for us to focus on. My fundamental concern, which I share with the noble Lord, Lord Skelmersdale, is that the amendments could limit the levels of support that we can give to jobseekers aged over 50 at a time when we are more than ever committed to increasing employment opportunities for younger and older people. The impact of these amendments would also be inconsistent with our approach to older workers. Our active ageing policies are designed to help people to remain in the labour market for as long as possible, and we are not writing people off when they reach the age 50. People are living longer; older people are healthier and more active than ever before and want to be able to work. Sitting suspended for a Division in the House.