§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what would be the cost to the Exchequer 393W of a change in the level of national insurance contributions to raise the lower earnings level of £1,800 for single persons, £3,500 for married persons and a change of 9 per cent. of earnings above their levels to £15,800 ad £17,500, respectively.
§ Mr. RossiUnder the present system contributions for employees are based on all weekly earnings falling within specified lower and upper earnings limits, irrespective of marital status. Disproportionate cost would be involved in forecasting the possible effect of the proposed change.