§ Mr. Welshasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received from (a) the European Commission on Human Rights and (b) representatives of the self-employed, concerning the abolition of class 4 insurance contributions; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. OrmeIn August 1977 my right hon. Friend received from the National Federation of Self Employed Ltd. a document which argued that class 4 contributions should be abolished. I understand that the Federation has used this document in support of a petition to the European Commission on Human Rights. We have received no communication from the Commission.
I explained the purpose of the class 4 contribution in my reply to the hon. Member for Harrogate (Mr. Banks) on 27th February.—[Vol. 945, c. 50.]