§ Brigadier Clarkeasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the extra annual cost to all Government Departments arising from the increase in the employers' contribution to weekly National Insurance contribution and the increased tax of 6d. on hydrocarbon oils.
§ Mr. DiamondThe direct cost to Departments of increased contributions paid in respect of their employees and increased duty on their purchases of oil is estimated at £17-£20 million a year: this includes the cost to the Armed Forces, the National Health Service and the Post Office It is not possible to assess the additional indirect cost which Departments will incur as a result of higher prices of their purchases.