§ Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why the lower earnings limit for class 1, employed earners, was raised by 16.7 per cent. in April 1978, whereas the lower limit for class 4, self-employed, was raised by only 14.3 per cent.
§ Mr. OrmeThe difference is not significant: it arises in part from the fact that changes in these limits are made under different statutory provisions, and in part from the rounding of figures to convenient amounts.