---

Pensions Bill [HL]

I am grateful to my noble friend for the way in which he has answered this question. I have been around for a year or two and have seen a ministerial brief or two. I am not entirely surprised, although mildly disappointed, at the nature of his comments. We understand the difficulties, including the substantive one of confusing people or in any way removing the focus on the important background work of securing a properly funded and safe pensions industry. I am glad on his behalf that the Minister has assumed for himself the role of the forward gear, because he is the best possible bully pulpit for all this. The essence of this should be collaboration and discussion between representatives of the industry, employers, staff and the department to facilitate a good outcome. In conclusion, this has been the first Committee that I have attended in this place. I am grateful to my noble friend for his responses, but in the same breath I apply that gratitude to noble Lords opposite, including the noble Lord, Lord McKenzie of Luton, and others. I have found this procedure enlightening and positive, and on the whole it has done some good. I am grateful specifically for my noble friend’s response, and beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment 57 withdrawn. Clauses 27 to 29 agreed. Bill reported with amendments.