MP's 'tireless support' (From Gazette Series)

MP's 'tireless support'

SIR - We feel obliged to respond to Neil Carmichael's letter (March 19).

David Drew MP has worked tirelessly in support of Lister Petter and all of the employees, both past and present.

Mr Carmichael says that the government are doing nothing to solve the pensions crisis. Is he not aware of the Pensions Bill currently going through Parliamentary procedure?

He goes on to say that David Drew has lost credibility. It is our contention that, not only is David Drew credible, but is actively trying to improve the Pensions Bill by signing early day motion no 627.

This early day motion will allow the Pensions Bill to be enacted retrospectively. Thus all those who have suffered a dramatic cut in their pension benefit, including all at Lister Petter, both current and deferred pensioners, would have 90 per cent of their pension protected by law.

It may interest your readers that official Conservative Party policy is to oppose the Pensions Bill. Perhaps Neil Carmichael could explain how his party's policy will help members of occupational pension schemes.

Malcolm Cooper, Senior Steward, Amicus, Lister Petter Pension Fund Trustee, Stratford Road, Stroud

C Fryer, Senior Steward, TGWU Turner Road, Woodfield, Cam