§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the value of consultancy contracts awarded by his Department each year since 1988, both in current prices and at constant 1994 prices.
§ Mr. HagueThe information is in the table.
698W
Year Current prices 1993–94 £ million prices £ million 1988–89 49.5 65.2 1989–90 43.3 53.4 1990–91 83.2 94.9 contributions into line with the present 16-hour penalty rule applying to benefits and with the future limits he is proposing.
§ Mr. HagueNational insurance contributions are normally credited to individuals in respect of complete weeks of qualifying unemployment. As a concession, employment of up to eight hours a week may be disregarded for this purpose. The extent of the concession is currently under review.