HC Deb 09 April 2003 vol 403 cc285-6W
Mr. Bercow

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what the cost will be to public funds in 2003–04 of the rise in national insurance contributions on the salary bill of his Department. [107899]

Peter Hain

It is estimated that the changes to employers' national insurance contributions announced in the Budget will increase pay costs on average by 0.7 per cent. next year.