HC Deb 24 February 1958 vol 583 c16W
84. Mr. Turton

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what proportion the proposed weekly contribution for an insured person will bear to the present average weekly earnings in industry; and if he will set out for comparison, on the basis of statistics available to him through the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation, the relevant proportions at present paid by insured persons in Western Germany, France, and Italy, respectively.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

The following figures relate only to contributions paid in the social security system of the countries concerned and relate to a differing range of benefits. For instance, in the three Continental countries family allowances are financed out of these contributions.

SOCIAL INSURANCE CONTRIBUTIONS* AS PERCENTAGE OF MEN'S EARNINGS
Employed persons's share Employer's share Total
Great Britain† proposed new contribution 3.9 3.3 7.2
France 6.0 30.2 36.2
West Germany 12.2 14.9 27.1
Italy‡ 3.7 46.3 50.0
* The percentages given apply in some countries only to certain classes and to earnings below certain limits.
† Average earnings are assessed on the basis of the Ministry of Labour and National Service's inquiry into earnings of manual workers in manufacturing and some of the principal non-manufacturing industries.
‡ Workers in industry.