Alistair Darling, the Secretary of State for Social Security, has put his weight behind a proposal for an independent body to promote discussion of pensions issues.

Tom Ross, chairman of the Pension Provision Group and principal of Aon Consulting, revealed plans for the new body while giving evidence to the Social Security Select Committee. Ross said: 'Our work has shown the need for better information on pensions. We believe the creation of a body, independent of Government, will help provide it.'