§ Mr. Gareth WardellTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps he has taken to ensure that his Department's contracted-out earnings group office at Newcastle can provide contribution records within a reasonable time period.
§ Mr. Peter LloydNormally it is not necessary for the contracted-out earnings group to provide earnings or contribution information as employers and pension schemes have their own records of this. However, an inquiry service for employers submitting details to the group on magnetic tape is provided, for which a charge is made. The information requested is normally sent within a week of the inquiry.