§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what he estimates will be the financial effect on the National Health Service of the changes in national insurance contributions announced in the Budget.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe changes in employers' national insurance contributions will mean increased costs for higher paid staff but lower costs for other full-time and most part-time staff. It is likely that the net effect will be to reduce health authorities' costs, but reliable estimates cannot yet be made.
I will write to the hon. Member when reasonable estimates are available.