HC Deb 17 December 1998 vol 322 cc715-6W
Mr. Chope

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many amendments to the records of the self-employed have not been entered on the computer of the Contributions Agency; and what action is being taken to compensate those whose benefits have not been paid as a result. [64444]

Mr. Timms

There are currently 1,038,729 amendments as at the 6 December requiring input to the Contributions Agency National Insurance Recording System (NIRS2). Although an exact figure is not known, the number of cases affected by the delayed input of these amendments is a very small percentage of the overall total. This is because this figure is made up of varying types of amendments, many of which could never affect a claim to benefit.

If an individual benefit claim is affected, compensation will be considered under the normal rules of the Departmental Compensation Scheme. Details of the rules were provided in my Written Answer to hon. Member for Newbury (Mr. Rendel) on the 5 November 1998, Official Report, columns 647–48.

Mr. Chope

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many applications for maternity benefit from the self-employed are(a) outstanding and (b) have been paid late as a result of the failure of the Contributions Agency computer system. [64446]

Mr. Timms

The estimated number of applications for maternity benefit from the self-employed, which are outstanding for November 1998, is 830. This is 60 more than the estimated figure for November 1997. The number that have been paid late because of delays attributable to the NIRS2 system is not available as information for the reason for any delay in payment is not recorded.

Source:

Central Data Unit and Analytical Services Division.

Mr. Chope

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the details relating to Mrs. Talat Robjant will be entered on the Contributions Agency computer system. [64445]

Mr. Timms

The Contributions Agency is able to use the new National Insurance Recording system (NIRS2) to answer all inquiries concerning information held on individual National Insurance Accounts. The NIRS2 facilities for registering National Insurance numbers and issuing National Insurance cards for both adults and juveniles are being piloted currently. and should be implemented nationally in the near future.

I will respond to the hon. Member with further information about this case, if he will write with further details.