§ Question proposed, That the clause stand part of the Bill.
§ Mr. BlairI simply want to check that schedule 2 follows the pattern of our earlier discussions and that its only consequences are to make either minor changes or those that are already consequential to the provisions that we have passed earlier.
Schedule 2 refers to personal pension schemes. Since we have considered a large number of clauses on personal pension schemes in a fairly short time, I simply wanted to make sure that what happens in schedule 2 is nothing more than was stated as giving effect to minor and consequential amendments, and that there was nothing of substance or moment that would mean any change was occurring. I thought it right to raise this point, otherwise we would have passed the schedule without comment.
§ Mr. Norman LamontI am happy to give the Committee the assurance that that is so.
§ Sir Brandon Rhys WilliamsIt would not be right for the Committee to pass from this important chapter without my taking the opportunity of saying that this embodies some of the most far-reaching new provisions on pensions that we have had for many years. My right hon. Friends are doing an inspired and imaginative thing in introducing these proposals. Although I may have appeared to be critical tonight, it is only in respect of certain details, which I am sure can be improved. I think that the Committee should give the warmest possible welcome to this chapter of the Bill.
§ Clause 57 ordered to stand part of the Bill.
§ Schedule 2 agreed to.