§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Social Security what was the estimated number of self-employed, as defined by the National Insurance Acts, in 1964, 1965 and 1966, respectively; and what increase is expected to follow the decision confirming the self-employed status of personnel previously employed by Trago Mills of Liskard.
§ Miss HerbisonThe number of insured persons contributing at the self-employed rate in 1964 and 1965 was about 1,420,000. The corresponding figure for 1966 is not yet available but I have no reason to suppose that it will differ significantly from that for the earlier two years. The decision given in the case of four persons working at Trago Mills was to the effect that three of them were self-employed. This case was decided on its own particular facts and I see no reason to expect that the decision will lead to any appreciable increase in the numbers of persons classified as self-employed for the purposes of the National Insurance Acts.