HC Deb 08 February 1995 vol 254 cc304-5W
Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the percentage contributions provided by employers and employees towards public pensions in the member states of the European Union for the latest year for which information is available.

Mr. Arbuthnot

The information available is in the table. In some member states, the contributions for retirement pensions and survivors benefits are included in a general contribution. There are also differences between states in the measure of income/earnings to which the contribution rates apply and in the application of ceilings to contribution amounts. Reliable and detailed information on the precise calculation of contributions is not readily available.