§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will ask the Contributions Agency investigation and fraud teams to inquire into the evasion354W of national insurance contributions by former chairmen and non-executive directors of Yorkshire regional health authority. [22933]
§ Mr. HealdThe administration of the Contributions Agency is a matter for Mrs. Faith Boardman, the chief executive. She will write to the hon. Member.
Letter from George Bertram to Mr. Jim Cousins, dated 2 April 1996:
As the Chief Executive of the Contributions Agency is away from the office on annual leave, I have responsibility for answering questions about operational matters relating to the Agency in her absence.I have been asked to reply to your question to the Secretary of State if he will ask the Contributions Agency investigation and fraud teams to inquire into evasion of National Insurance contributions by former Chairmen and non executive Directors of Yorkshire Regional Health Authority.Together with the Inland Revenue under our general rules of confidentiality I cannot discuss individual cases.It may be helpful if I explain that most National Insurance contributions are collected by the Inland Revenue on behalf of the Contributions Agency. Investigations into PAYE and National Insurance compliance may be carried out by either Department when there is evidence of irregularities.