HC Deb 20 April 1999 vol 329 c520W
Mr. Webb

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of the compatibility of his plan to limit charges for stakeholder pensions with the need for those purchasing such pensions to be given proper advice. [81114]

Mr. Timms

We recognise that proper information and advice for those who need it will be an important part of the decision-making process for individuals considering a stakeholder pension scheme.

Details of the minimum standards for stakeholder pensions are subject to further consultation. The standards will include a limit on the level of charges, and in setting that limit we shall consider carefully what allowance should be made for the costs of information and advice.

Mr. Webb

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of the implications of the growing use of tracker pension funds for the economy; and what account he has taken of such an assessment in designing his stakeholder pension scheme. [81113]

Mr. Timms

No such assessment has been made. We expect that stakeholder pension schemes will, like other pension schemes, have the option of investing in tracker funds.