§ Harry CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on his meeting with Ros Altmann on 17 September. [131659]
§ Mr. Andrew SmithOn 9 September 1 met various people with an interest in the ASW and Dexion pension schemes, including Ros Altmann. During that meeting, I reiterated that I am examining the position and would listen to sensible and constructive suggestions for dealing with compensation, not only for members of the ASW and Dexion pension schemes, but also for others in a similar position. But I also stressed that while I will listen to proposals, I do not wish to provide people with false hope that the Government will step in to help members of defined-benefit pension schemes which have already started to wind-up.
During the meeting on 9 September, I agreed that my officials should meet Ros Altmann to discuss her suggestions. This was the meeting that took place on 17 September, which my hon. Friend the Member for Sittingbourne and Sheppey (Mr. Wyatt) also attended. The meeting focussed on Ros Altmann's proposals for providing assistance and the assumptions on which her proposals are based. No minister attended the meeting on 17 September.