HC Deb 04 November 1992 vol 213 cc280-1W
Mr. Dewar

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will publish estimates of the number of part-time and full-time employees earning(a) below the PAYE threshold and (b) below the national insurance lower earnings limit, in (i) 1989, (ii) 1990, (iii) 1991 and (iv) the current year, respectively.

Miss Widdecombe

The information requested is given in the table.

Estimated numbers (millions) earnings less than
PAYE threshold National insurance lower earnings limit
1989 3.50 3.00
1990 3.50 3.00
1991 3.50 3.25
1992 3.75 3.25

Notes:

1. Figures are broad estimates based on the annual New Earnings Survey and estimates of the number of employees in employment.

2. It is estimated that around one tenth of these employees are full-time, most of whom fell below the thresholds because their earnings were affected by absence in the survey period.