HC Deb 27 January 1969 vol 776 cc927-8
21. Sir B. Rhys Williams

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the current annual amount of employers' contributions to the National Insurance schemes.

Mr. Swingler

Employers are paying National Insurance contributions, including contributions for industrial injuries, at the rate of about £1,025 million a year.

Sir B. Rhys Williams

This is an extremely large sum of money. Would the right hon. Gentleman explain what em- ployers get in exchange? Does the whole of this money get spent on dealing with needs which arise directly out of employment?

Mr. Swingler

This money is invested in a comprehensive social security scheme on behalf of the whole nation and, therefore, benefits the entire population. The arguments for this will once again be set out in the improved scheme which will be presented by my right hon. Friend tomorrow.

Mr. Heffer

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many Labour hon. Members feel that the contribution made by employers is not large enough and should be increased? Would he agree that employers get, in return, a very good service indeed from workers in industry?

Mr. Swingler

I must ask my hon. Friend to wait 24 hours and to consider the propositions which will be put forward tomorrow by my right hon. Friend.