§ Mr. FlightTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the number of people who would pay more in national insurance contributions if the ceiling on Class 1 contributions were aligned with the higher rate tax threshold. [44687]
§ Dawn PrimaroloAround3¾ million people would pay more in national insurance contributions on an average weekly basis during 2002–03 if the Class 1 ceiling were aligned with the income tax higher rate threshold. This estimate was provided by the Government Actuary's Department.
§ Mr. FlightTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the revenue implications of removing the upper earnings limit on employee national insurance contributions. [44688]
§ Dawn PrimaroloI refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Banff and Buchan (Mr. Salmond) on 1 March 2002,Official Report, column 1573W.
§ Mr. WillettsTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been(a) the maximum and (b) the average underpayment to pensioners adversely affected by NIRS2 since its introduction. [42516]
§ Mr. Nicholas BrownI have been asked to reply.
The maximum underpayment of retirement pension caused by the NIRS2 problems is not known. The average underpayment to the small percentage of pension claims that have been affected by NIRS2 problems since June 1998 is £339. The arrears have been paid in nearly all the affected cases along with compensation, where appropriate. The NIRS2 computer is now stable and the difficulties caused to pensioners and other benefit claimants by the delayed implementation of some of the functions are now almost resolved.