Further to my circular No.NP084/06, of 12th July, it has been agreed that Chair of the Pensions Commission will be Jeanie Drake, Deputy General Secretary of the CWU. Ms. Drake is a former TUC President and was the TUC's nominee on the Turner Report which recently examined State Pensions in the UK and made a number of recommendations for the future, including reinstating the link between average earnings and pensions.

Agreement has also been reached that the Trade Union Wing Member for the Commission will be Bryn Davies. During his career Mr. Davies has been the TUC's Pensions Officer, and a partner for international actuaries, Bacon and Woodrow. Politcally he has been a Labour Councillor, a Member of the Greater London Council and Chair of the Inner London Education Authority. In recent years Mr. Davies established his own consultancy, Union Pension Services, which provides a unique independent consultancy on occupational pension schemes, primarily for trade unions.

I would also take this opportunity to advise that the initial draft of RMT's submission to the Commission has been prepared and passed to the Gernal Grades Committee for comment. Following receipt of their comments a final draft will be prepared for formal consideration.

I shall keep you advised of developments.

Yours sincerely,

Bob Crow,
General Secretary