§ Mr. WoodwardTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate the Government has made of the market for index-linked annuities in relation to the supply of index-linked gilts. [142388]
§ Ruth KellyNo specific assessment has been made. Index-linked gilts make uppart of gross gilt sales and contribute to the Government's overall financing requirement. There are a range of factors affecting the market for annuities of all kinds, including index-linked annuities.
§ Mr. WoodwardTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the Government's policy is on the expansion of the number of companies from which trustees of employer final salary schemes in wind-up can purchase bulk annuities. [142392]
§ Ruth KellyThe purchase of bulk annuities is a commercial matter for the companies concerned and the pension scheme trustees.