HC Deb 21 December 1961 vol 651 cc198-9W
Mr. McKay

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what would be the income to the National Insurance Fund if insured workers paid 4½ per cent, instead of a level rate payment on their individual earnings, including juveniles; and if employers paid 5 per cent, on wages for those insured, such payments to exclude the Industrial Injuries and Health Service Act contribution; and what would have been the total cost of National Insurance for 1960 if £5 per week benefit had been paid instead of the £2 17s. 6d. now operating for pensioners, with sickness, unemployment and widows, wives, children, and other dependency benefits remaining as at present paid; and what balance there would be if these two alternative schemes of contribution and payment were jointly applied.

Mrs. Thatcher

I regret that there is insufficient information to enable the first part of the Question to be answered. As

NUMBERS OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS ON THE REGISTERS OF THE BEXHILL, HAILSHAM AND RYE EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGES AT 11TH DECEMBER, 1961
Men Women
Aged 18 to 54 Aged 55 and over Total Aged 18 to 54 Aged 55 and over Total
Bexhill 26 141 167 16 6 22
Hailsham 19 52 71 4 2 6
Rye 17 22 39 5 1 6
Total 62 215 277 25 9 34
In addition to the above, there were 6 boys and 9 girls under 18 years of age registered as unemployed at the Bexhill Youth Employment Office which also covers the Rye, Hailsham and Battle areas; all of these have been employed at some stage since leaving school.