Baroness Altmann (Non-Afl)

My Lords, I thank the Minister for her thoughtful and considered response. I also thank all noble Lords who have supported my amendment, including the noble Lord, Lord Davies, and the noble Viscount, Lord Thurso. I had hoped that the noble Lords on the Opposition Front Bench might be willing to support me if I were to press this to a vote, but it sounds as if that is not the case. I hope that the Government will be successful in ensuring that when pension scheme surpluses are paid out, members are considered carefully. I know that the Minister considered this would be unnecessary bureaucracy. I have to say that it is a requirement, but one that is not always adhered to, and the mechanisms for overseeing it do not seem to have been working. More particularly, what I had hoped this amendment could help achieve was not only helping the trustees meet member benefits but, in many circumstances, potentially improving member benefits beyond what is currently payable. Yes, they need appropriate advice but, given the state of pension schemes, there is a significant opportunity to improve the amount of money paid to members alongside the decisions to pay out surpluses. Therefore, if the noble Viscount, Lord Thurso, decides to move Amendment 14 and test the opinion of the House, I certainly would be minded to support him. However, I beg leave to withdraw Amendment 13.