§ Mrs. Chalkerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what would be the cost of moving from the £40 limit to complete abolition of the earnings rule at current rates of benefit.
§ Mr. DeakinsIf the earnings rule had been abolished, instead of the earnings limit being set at £40, it is estimated that the cost to the National Insurance Fund for the year November 1977 to November 1978 would have been about £225 million. This calculation takes account of the fact that from 6th April 1978 primary Class 1, and Class 2 and 4 contributions are no longer payable beyond pensionable age.
§ Mrs. Chalkerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what would be the cost of moving from the £45 limit to complete abolition of the earnings rule at the new benefit rates proposed for November 1978.
§ Mr. DeakinsIf the earnings rule were abolished, instead of the earnings limit being set at £45, it is estimated that the cost to the National Insurance Fund for the year November 1978 to November 1979 would be about £230 million.