§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services, further to the reply of 2 December 1982, Official Report, c. 268. to the hon. Member for Grimsby concerning reduced rate contributions, whether he will publish in the Official Report information showing the number of such contributors, the basis of the contribution and the average rate of contribution.
§ Mr. RossiThe number of married women and widows paying reduced rate contributions in 1980–81, the latest 417W provisional figure available, was 2,844,000. Contributions are payable by those whose earnings exceed the lower earnings limit in any week, at a rate which is a
Lower earnings limit Upper earnings limit Reduced rate £ £ per cent. 1980–81 23.00 165 2.00 1981–82 27.00 200 2.75 1982–83 29.50 220 3.20 1983–84 32.50 235 3.85