Social Security

I believe that it is during the time when they are a pensioner, but I can return to the hon. Gentleman with further details on the report if that would help. On the general point that hon. Members made about savings, I hope that they are aware that the Chancellor has said that he is considering policy options to help pensioners who are currently affected by the interest rates cuts, and that those options may be implement in the Budget this spring. I will write to the hon. Gentleman about the national insurance fund. I am sure that he realise that the combination of recent economic prosperity and demographics means that contributions currently exceed claims. Some of that money has been used to reduce Government borrowing, which ensures that everybody benefits, including pensioners. However, that does not necessarily mean that today’s recipients have an unlimited claim on the fund. We need to consider the balance between what is currently happening and what will happen if things become difficult, perhaps because of the downturn or when the demographic balance shifts. We need to ensure that we get that balance right. As hon. Members said, there is a campaign by people who say, ““There is £30 billion, it is our money and we should have it straight away.”” However, there are other important factors for us to take into account when considering the national insurance fund. I reiterate a point that I believe I mentioned earlier: we have legislated to re-establish the link between the basic state pension and earnings. As I said, subject to affordability and the fiscal position, our objective is to do that in 2012, and in any event by the end of the Parliament.