§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how the national insurance number can be used for purposes unconnected with the tax and benefits system; what legislation would be necessary to legitimise any new purpose; what plans he has to make the number more widely available for such purposes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ArbuthnotI refer the hon. Member to the replies I gave him on Tuesday 29 November 1994,Official Report, column 627. The national insurance number can be used only for national insurance, tax and social security benefit-related purposes and we have no plans at present to introduce legislation to extend the use of the national insurance number.