§ Mr. Chalkerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will raise the lower earnings limit for Class 4 contribution for the self-employed.
§ Mr. O'MalleyNo. The lower earnings limit for Class 4 contributions is to remain at the present level for 1976–77 as the counterpart to holding down flat-rate Class 2 contributions for that year. As my right hon. Friend explained in the reply to my hon. Friend, the Member for Walsall, South (Mr. George) on 23rd October, this increases the extent to which the contributions of the self-employed are earnings-related and helps those who are less well-off.—[Vol. 898. c.236–8.]