HC Deb 15 January 1997 vol 288 cc257-8W
Mr. Byers

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what amount was budgeted for the national insurance contributions holiday in 1996–97; what level of contributions has been forgone to date; and what is the present estimate for the year. [10907]

Mr. Heald

The original estimate for 1996–97 was £28 million. However, this has now been revised and the current estimate is £1.5 million. Information about the level of contributions reclaimed by employers will not be available until their end of year returns have been received and processed.

Mr. Byers

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list for(a) each English region, (b) Scotland and (c) Wales the number of (i) successful and (ii) unsuccessful applications made to date for a national insurance contributions holiday for the recruitment of an unemployed person. [10908]

Mr. Heald

The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is as follows:

  • Number of applications: 2,718
  • Successful applications: 2,312
  • Unsuccessful applications: 296
  • Awaiting further information: 110

Regional breakdown (successful applications)
North 247
Yorkshire and Humberside 332
East Midlands 232
East Anglia 77
South East 329
South West 207
West Midlands 246
North West 247
Wales 115
Scotland 197
Greater London 83

1. The number of unsuccessful applications by region is not available.

2. Statistics relate to the position on 6 January 1997.