HC Deb 15 June 1982 vol 25 cc241-2W
Mr. Andrew F. Bennett

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would the cost be to the Exchequer of exempting national insurance contributions from income tax.

Mr. Ridley

At 1982–83 levels of income and rates of contribution, the cost of giving relief from income tax in

Staff in post
Full-time equivalents*
Department† 1 April 1979 1 April 1982 Percentage change
Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 14,474 13,070 -9.7
Chancellor of the Exchequer's Departments Lord Privy Seal's Departments‡ 141,198 123,679 -12.4
Defence 247,660 216,921 -12.4
Education and Science 3,749 3,520 -6.1
Employment Group 53,605 58,652 +9.4
Energy 1,267 1,138 -10.2
Environment 56,039 42,100 -24.9
Foreign and Commonwealth 12,078 11,089 -8.2
Home Office 33,490 34,604 +3.3
Industry 9,514 8,319 -12.6

respect of national insurance contributions paid by employees and the self-employed would be about £2½ billion in a full year.