HC Deb 17 March 1994 vol 239 c810W
Mrs. Roche

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many employees earned between 0 and 10 per cent. below, and between 0 and 10 per cent. above the national insurance lower earnings limit.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

It is estimated that in an average week approximately 220,000 employees earn between 0 and 10 per cent. below the national insurance lower earnings limit and approximately 190,000 employees earn between 0 and 10 per cent. above the LEL.

Mrs. Roche

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many(a) men and (b) women currently earn less than the national insurance lower earnings limit.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Preston (Mrs. Wise) on 9 February 1994,Official Report, column 292.

Mrs. Roche

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what hours are worked per week on average by employees earning less than the national insurance lower earnings limit.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

It is estimated that in April 1993 employees earning below the national insurance lower earnings limit worked an average of 11.6 hours a week.

Mrs. Roche

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what are the average weekly earnings of employees earning less than the national insurance lower earnings limit.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

It is estimated that the average gross weekly earnings of employees earning less than the national insurance lower earnings limit is approximately £24.