§ Mr. Frank FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people annually gain national insurance credits; and what estimate he has made of the cost of these credits if taxpayers contributed the sums which such individuals would have paid into the national insurance scheme from their own employer's contributions if they were on(a) two thirds and (b) average earnings.
§ Mr. Arbuthnot[pursuant to his answer, 13 February 1995, c. 541–52]: I regret that the information provided was incorrect. The correct information is set out.
In 1992–93, the most recent year for which information is available, some 10.5 million people were awarded an average of 37 national insurance contribution credits. If these individuals were receiving earnings and paid employee's national insurance contributions at current rates, those on two thirds of average earnings would have paid £734.08 and those on average earnings would have paid £1,185.48 in contributions.
Notes:
- (a) Calculations based on weekly male average earnings of £366—new earnings survey, April 1994.
- (b) Calculations assume that contributions were paid at the not contracted out rate of 2 per cent. + 10 per cent.