Pensions Bill

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord, Lord Skelmersdale, for counting the ““musts””. Apparently we are at a watershed and parliamentary counsel has changed its general view from the word ““shall”” to ““must””. Noble Lords here are the first to note it. I hope that I do not have to withdraw any of these words, but that is what my note says. I understand that our commitment is not to 1 January 2012 but to ““during”” 2012. We continue with confidence that we will achieve that. We have given a series of assurances during the passage of this Bill on stranded pots and other matters. This amendment in no way modifies those assurances. This is an enabling amendment and does not in any way limit the commitments we have already given. I am not willing to give a specific assurance about how we will handle the scope. That will be for 2017. But our record to date, and I believe any Government’s record on this important issue, will inevitably and quite properly involve close liaison with stakeholders and all groups in establishing the scope. It is inconceivable that there will not be a process by which the House will be able to express its views. On Question, amendment agreed to. [Amendment No. 17 not moved.] Clause 80 [Finance]: