§ Sir David SteelTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the change in legislation to equalise the eight and 16-hour rules for national insurance class 1 contributions was originally proposed to be introduced; when it is now expected to be introduced; and what are the reasons for the delay.
§ Mr. ArbuthnotThere were no previous proposals for the introduction of this legislation. As part of the measures associated with the introduction of jobseeker's allowance, legislation to raise from eight to 16 the number of hours that an unemployed person can work and still qualify for the award of a national insurance contribution credit is expected to be introduced from April 1996.