HC Deb 19 July 2001 vol 372 cc413-4W
Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans there are to ensure that occupational pension schemes have independent chairmen. [4620]

Mr. McCartney

The Government are currently working on changes to the Pensions Act 1995 that will ensure that more members will have the opportunity to become trustees of their occupational pension scheme. We expect to introduce regulations during this parliamentary Session.

We have no plans to require the trustee boards of occupational pension schemes to have independent chairmen.

Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans there are to ensure that members of an occupational pension fund benefit from it in proportion to their contributions. [4621]

Mr. McCartney

The factors determining the benefits received by a member of an occupational pension fund differ depending on the type of scheme and the particular scheme rules.

The Trustees of an occupational pension scheme must use the scheme's assets to provide benefits for members in accordance with the scheme rules.