Pensions Bill

moved Amendment No. 21: 21: Clause 5, page 7, line 1, leave out from ““means”” to end of line 8 and insert ““the tax year 2007–2008”” The noble Lord said: Amendment No. 21 is in my name and that of my noble friend Lord Kirkwood. I shall also speak to Amendment No. 23. As we are now after the Dinner Break and have a long list of amendments in front of us, I propose to go into overdrive, if that is all right. The amendments ask for clarity and precision on when the earnings linking, which we all agree is necessary and long overdue, will come into place. Amendment No. 21 asks for it to be brought forward to now or as soon as possible, effectively next year. The other amendment is to make the Government commit themselves that it will not slip beyond 2013. Amendment No. 21 is our preferred option, but we also have Amendment No. 23. We ask the Government to respond as clearly as possible, given that this is the cornerstone of the Bill. We have good support from Help the Aged and from other charities. It is essential that this is brought forward and made clear. I beg to move.