80. Mr Mitchell also impugns the decision to make the 1997 changes, on the basis that there was no quid pro quo obtained in exchange for using money in the Fund as an alternative to IBM paying contributions into the fund in respect of the M Plan. He says that the confirmation from IBM that it did not intend to change its current discretionary practice on increasing pensions merely re-stated the status quo. The Principal Employer denies this proposition and says that the statement was not a mere summary of the status quo but rather a statement of intention.