state pension system. it has been for each of the last five years. i was interested in the responsible comments of the u.k. pensions minister steve webb, who confirmed the state pensions ilda prior to independence would continue to be paid to the people scotland. the sixth of may, he said it is what you put into national insurance system prior to independence. they are entitled to that money. for the first time, an -- thatent scotland means the pension will increase in line with the increase in average earnings, whichever of those are the highest. i hope christine grahame welcomes that reassurance as we seek to explain to the people of scotland that yet another a project fears is based on no foundation whatsoever. pensioner, i welcome that assurance and i thank you for the competence of answer. however, private pensions paid now or in the future, which many -- does the first minister agree with me that these are a matter of contract and payable under the terms of contract whether in independent scotland or elsewhere. with a yes vote we have an opportunity to you scotland's wealth to develop sustainable and better pensions for scotland's pensioners now and in the future? >>