HC Deb 10 March 1986 vol 93 cc379-80W
Dame Judith Hart

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many economists are employed, and in what Civil Service grade, in that part of his Department concerned with social security policy and administration.

Mr. Newton

One senior economic adviser (grade 5), five economic advisers (grade 7), two senior economic assistants and one economic assistant. A number of other economists including the Chief Economic Adviser (grade 3) devote part of their time to social security questions.

The defination of social security benefit is that used in the year in question.

Mr. Frank Field

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will express for 1955–56, 1960–61, 1965–66, 1970–71, 1975–76, 1980–81 and the latest available date the percentage of earnings represented by the contributions to the national insurance fund of (i) male and (ii) female workers earnings (a) lowest decile, (b) average earnings, (c) twice average earnings, (d) three times average earnings and (e) five times average earnings.

Mr. Major

The information is as follows: