HC Deb 25 November 1997 vol 301 cc539-40W
Mr. Burns

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will list the submissions to the Government's pension review. [17649]

Mr. Denham

I refer the hon. Member to the replies I gave the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire (Mr. Kirkwood) on 17 November 1997,Official Report, columns 85–86.

Mr. Duncan Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if changes brought into effect following the Government reviews on pensions will affect only those starting new pension schemes. [17621]

Mr. Denham

A key objective of the review is to ensure that pensioners should have an adequate income in retirement; that they should share fairly in rising national prosperity; and that public finances should be both sustainable and affordable.

No decision on changes to the pension system have been made. The Government intend to publish an initial framework for change in the first half of 1998. There will then be a period of further consultation before final, detailed proposals are developed and laid before Parliament.