§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when she will publish the draft Bill on pension sharing after divorce. [15960]
§ Mr. DenhamThe Government are committed to introducing pension sharing for divorcing couples and we aim to do so from April 2000. We welcome input from all interested groups to ensure that we deliver effective and workable arrangements which recognise the contribution that both women and men make to a marriage. We are currently working in partnership with the pensions industry, family lawyers and other key groups and will publish draft Bill clauses for consultation during the current Parliamentary session. This is the first time that this Department has consulted on draft primary legislation in this way, demonstrating our commitment to open and consultative Government.