§ Mr. Murphyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what recent representations he has received regarding the level of national insurance contributions paid by the self-employed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RossiI have received no recent representations about the level of national insurance contributions paid by128W the self-employed. Replies to our discussion document on the self-employed and national insurance revealed no consensus among organisations or individuals about any need for change. The class 2 and class 4 contribution rates for 1983–84, which my right hon. Friend announced to the House on 8 November—[Vol. 31, c. 46]—are derived from the formula which has operated since 1977, but with a modest abatement in the class 2 rate.