HC Deb 01 April 1996 vol 275 cc73-4W
Mr. Wigley

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will clarify the guidance given to those operating the national insurance contributions system, within his Department, with regard to the position of the self-employed status of casual workers in the film and television industry, with particular reference to the equivalent guidance given for taxation purposes. [20053]

Mr. Heald

Since 1987 the Department of Social Security and the Inland Revenue have adopted a common approach with the aim of minimising employment status differences. Where one Department has made a full and (b) private hospitals and medical organisations his Department has entered into contracts with for the purpose of testing of applicants for benefits administered by his Department in the current financial year and each of the three previous years; and if he will list the organisations involved, the nature of the contracts, the number of individuals covered by each contract, which agencies entered into these contracts and the monetary value of the contracts in each case. [22845]

Mr. Burt

This Department has not entered into contracts for this purpose with any NHS hospital trusts or organisations. Information about contracts with private hospitals and medical organisations is in the table.

examination of an individual case and issued a ruling, the other Department will normally adhere to it provided the circumstances remain the same.

General guidance on employment status is provided in a joint leaflet which applies for tax and national insurance purposes. In addition, within the film and TV industry, the Inland Revenue publishes grading lists to help employers determine which workers should be self-employed and which not. The Contributions Agency has also used these lists since 1992. These lists are reviewed annually.

Currently, the Contributions Agency is co-operating with the Inland Revenue to provide guidance for 1996–97. The intention is to simplify the lists both Departments use by providing a combined list including all parts of the industry which cover television, film, video and radio work.