§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether it is proposed to abolish the Class 4 national insurance levy on the self-employed and small businesses; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ChalkerMy right hon. Friend has no proposals at present for abolishing the Class 4 national insurance contribution payable by the self-employed. This contribution forms an integral part of the present contributions arrangements for the704W self-employed and its abolition would entail a review of the whole basis of contribution liability for the self-employed including the level of the Class 2 flat-rate contribution.