§ Mr. Frank FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many of those gaining national insurance credits in the 1992–93 year were previously in employment or approved self-employment; and what would he the cost to public funds to contribute the sums which employers would have paid in national insurance contributions; assuming earnings at(a) two thirds average earnings and (b) average earnings.
§ Mr. ArbuthnotIn 1992–93, some 7.2 million employed earners and 0.6 million self-employed earners were awarded an average of 35 credits. If the employed earners were receiving earnings of two thirds average earnings1 for each of the 35 weeks they were awarded a credit, their employers would have paid £871.152 in contributions at current rates; on average earnings1 employers would have paid £1,306.552.
Notes:
1Calculations based on weekly male average earnings of £366 (New Earnings Survey April 1994).
2 Calculations assume that contributions were paid at the not contracted out rate of 10.2 per cent.