§ Miss Richardsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether the Government Actuary will be taking into account the 5 per cent. abatement of certain social security benefits proposed by the Social Security (No. 2) Bill when next he decides on the rate of social security contributions; and, if so, what percentage of the contribution the saving from the abatement represents.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe rate of social security contributions is decided by my right hon. Friend, subject to the approval of each House of Parliament; the role of the Government Actuary is to assess the effect of a change in the rates on the national insurance fund. The saving to the fund from the abatement represents 0.9 per cent. of expected income from contributions in the current year (with the associated Treasury supplement). This is one of the factors, although not a prime one, which my right hon. Friend will take into account in making his statutory review of the rates for the next tax year.