§ Sir David MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what sum of money is held at the Newcastle records office unattributed to the contributions record of the specific contributor.
§ Miss WiddecombeThe amount of moneys held at Newcastle but unattributed to specific contributors is a matter for Miss Ann Chant, the chief executive of the Contributions Agency. She will write to the hon. Member and a copy will be placed in the Library.
Letter from Miss A. Chant to Sir David Mitchell, dated 27 October 1992:
As Chief Executive of the Contributions Agency I am responsible for answering questions about relevant operational matters. I am therefore replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State about monies held at Newcastle but unattributed to specific contributors.
This Agency deals with nearly 59 million accounts and recording contributions is almost always done automatically. But we rely on employers and individuals to provide us with the correct identity details. If for some reason we are unable to allocate the individuals' contributions they are held while we make further inquiries. In some cases individual contributors query their National Insurance position and we enlist their help to allocate contributions.
The records we hold of these unallocated contributions constantly shift day by day as items are traced and allocated and further items are added.
I am sorry that the precise information you require is not available. It could be obtained only at a disproportionate cost.
I hope that the information I have provided is helpful but because it may not answer all your concerns I will be writing to you shortly to see if I can be of any further assistance.