§ 29. Mr. Liptonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what weekly national insurance contribution is payable by a male employee over 70 years of age and his employer ; to what funds are such contributions' credited ; and what benefits accrue to the employee.
§ Mr. DeanAs the reply contains a number of figures, I will, if I may, circulate them in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. LiptonThe reply does not contain such a large number of figures that the answer cannot be given now. Is not it a fact that a large sum is paid out in such cases for which there is no substantial return to the employee concerned, and that this deters employers from employing such people?
§ Mr. DeanThe employee in this case pays only 4p for the industrial injury scheme, which gives him cover whatever his age—even the 70-year old.
Following is the information :A male employee over 70 pays £0.04 and his employer £2.15. The employee's contribution goes to the Industrial Injuries Fund and of the employer's contribution £0.754 is credited to the National Insurance Fund, £0.05 to the Industrial Injuries Fund, £0.083 towards the National Health Service, £0.063 to the Redundancy Fund and £1.20 is Selective Employment Tax. The employee normally draws retirement pension and may qualify for benefit under the Industrial Injuries Act for an accident at work ; and he also, of course, comes within the National Health Service, though this does not accrue from the payment of contributions.