§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will list the organisations that he plans to consult in drawing up the national pension plan; and if he will make a statement. [61364]
§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what discussions he has had with Ministers from other EU countries about the National Pensions Systems Plan; and if he will make a statement; [61951]
(2) what representations he has received from and discussions he has had with UK organisations representing pensioners regarding the National Pensions Systems Plan; and if he will make a statement. [61952]
§ Mr. McCartney[holding answer 17 June 2002]: The Department for Work and Pensions has a range of regular contacts with organisations with an interest in pension provision and plans to use these contacts to ensure appropriate input to the preparation of the UK's national strategy report on the future of pension systems. EU member states have agreed to produce reports by September 2002, as part of an exercise to exchange information and best practice.
The report will set out measures currently in place and others that are currently planned or under consideration. A draft Joint Commission/Council Report based on the information in the reports from member states will be considered by EU Heads of State and Government at the spring European Council in 2003.
Representations have been received from organisations representing pensioners about the national strategy report process. They will have an opportunity to contribute to the process through the contacts we are arranging.