What discussions he has had with the National Assembly for Wales Minister for Transport on concessionary fares on public transport in Wales.

My right hon. Friend and I hold regular discussions with Assembly colleagues. The Assembly introduced free travel on local bus services for women aged 60 and over, men aged 65 and over and disabled people on 1 April 2002. This was extended to include men aged 60 to 64 on 1 April 2003.

So the Chancellor's announcement in his Budget was absolutely worthless as far as pensioners in Wales are concerned. How does that compare with the amount pensioners will have to spend in Wales as a result of the 70 per cent. council tax rise and the impending cost of revaluation?

Unlike the plans of the hon. Gentleman's party, pensioners in Wales will get £200 to help offset their council tax. [Hon. Members: "£500!"] Oh yes, £500; I am sure. His party's record on looking after pensioners was appalling. When it was in government, it thought that they could survive on £69 a week. That is what it did for pensioners. Under this Government, we have achieved record support for pensioners. Pensioners in Britain know: Labour delivers for them; the Tories would abandon them.

As one who is shortly to move into the category of Welsh pensioner, may I, on behalf of Welsh pensioners, thank the Government and the Assembly for the tremendous job that they have done and express surprise that the Opposition are playing to our strongest suit—what we in government and in the Assembly have done for Welsh pensioners?

I pay tribute to my right hon. Friend's dedication over many years and wish him well in his retirement. He has represented the people of Wales and of his city well. He is absolutely right: the Labour Government have put at the heart of their policies ensuring that pensioners have dignity in old age and have the support they need. The Labour Government will look after pensioners—he can be certain of that in his retirement. Vote Labour.