§ 35. Mr. Reynoldsasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he will publish an analysis of adult rates of contribution proposed for National Insurance benefits in the White Paper, Cmnd. 538, showing the actuarial contribution in pence, per week, of persons earning £6, £9, £12 and £15 per week, respectively, for retirement pension, both flat rate and graduated, widows, etc., benefits, unemployment benefits, sickness benefits, maternity benefits, death grant, administration, subsidy from the Exchequer, or further sums towards additional cost of pensions.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI regret that figures are not available on the basis requested by the hon. Member. In any event, as he is no doubt aware, the proposals in Cmnd. 538 are not financed on this basis.
§ Mr. ReynoldsWill the Minister tell us how he manages to justify his claim that the contribution, as proposed in Cmnd. 538, will give a greater subsidy to the lower-paid worker, as against the higher-paid worker. If some other figures are available which show this, will the Minister publish them?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI shall endeavour to answer that question in the House tomorrow.