asked Her Majesty's Government:

What assistance they will provide to those who lost their pension facilities from Richardsons Fertilisers in Northern Ireland.[HL476]

I can confirm that the staff retirement benefits plan of Richardsons Fertilisers is a qualifying scheme for the purposes of the financial assistance scheme (FAS).

Members within seven years of scheme pension age on 14 May 2004 will benefit from the FAS topping up their pensions to around 80 per cent of their expected core pension, subject to a £12,000 cap and a £520 de minimis. Those between seven and 15 years from scheme pension age can more reasonably be expected to supplement their retirement income, and will be considered for a top-up to around 65 per cent of their expected pension if they are between seven and 11 years from scheme pension age, and 50 per cent if between 12 and 15 years. Our priority has been to get help to those facing the most urgent difficulties, who will be least able to make provision to replace their lost pensions.