HC Deb 23 March 1998 vol 309 cc1-3
2. Sir Teddy Taylor

If she will make a statement or the total number of retirement pensioners (a) at the latest available date, (b) five and (c) 10 years ago. [34043]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Social Security (Mr. John Denham)

There were 10.7 million retirement pensioners at 30 September 1997 Five years ago there were 10.3 million pensioners and 10 years ago there were 9.9 million pensioners.

Sir Teddy Taylor

Retirement pensioners are now a substantial proportion of the community. Is the Minister aware of the genuine concern and alarm among pensioners about reports of a fundamental review that might lead to the retirement pension being means-tested? Can the Minister give a clear and categorical statement that that is untrue? Can he confirm that he and his fellow Ministers will resign if there is any such Government proposal?

Mr. Denham

I am pleased to make it clear to the House that we have a manifesto commitment to retain the basic state pension as the foundation for retirement provision and to uprate it at least in line with prices. We have more than honoured that commitment by taking the unprecedented step of issuing winter fuel payments to all pensioners who have fuel bills this winter.

Mr. Duncan Smith

More than a week and a half ago the Minister attended a dinner held by the Association of Consulting Actuaries at which the chairman told the Government that they must stop loosening the foundations on which the hitherto robust system of Occupational Schemes is built. The chairman also said that the ramifications of the Government's first Budget on coming to power

were clearly not thought through at the time of the Mini-Budget. The Minister was sitting next to the chairman. Did he agree with those sentiments?

Mr. Denham

At that enjoyable dinner, which the hon. Gentleman also attended, I was able to make it clear that the Government wish to support and strengthen the framework for occupational pensions. During the pensions review we are looking at the regulatory system for occupational pensions and how the best occupational schemes can be marked by a quality pensions award. We are also examining ways to improve pension scheme members' understanding of their schemes and their entitlements.

Sir Teddy Taylor

On a point of order, Madam Speaker. In view of the Minister's unsatisfactory and ambiguous reply, I give notice that I intend to raise this matter on the Adjournment