§ Mr. Brothertonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services, in the light of his reply to the hon. Member for Louth of 8th March, what percentage of Class 4 national insurance contributions paid after 6th April 1978 will be attributable to the earnings-related pensions scheme.
§ Mr. OrmeNone. The introduction of the new pensions scheme on 6th April next does not alter the position that no specific benefit entitlement derives from the Class 4 contribution. The earnings-related Class 4 contribution was introduced to avoid raising the flat-rate Class 2 contribution to a level which would bear excessively on those with low earnings.
§ Mr. Brothertonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the total sum paid by the self-employed in Class 4 national insurance contributions in the financial years 1975–76 and 1976–77; and what is his estimate of the 210W amount payable in the current financial year.
§ Mr. OrmeReceipts of Class 4 national insurance contributions in Great Britain, including the national health service element, in 1975–76 and 1976–77 were £27 million and £87 million, and it is estimated that £124 million will be received in 1977–78.