HC Deb 28 January 1999 vol 324 c320W
Mr. Pickles

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many people received overpayments as a result of the loss of contribution records following the shut down of the NIRS2 computer system; what is the total cost of these overpayments; and what action he proposes in respect of recouping these overpayments; [67638]

(2) how many people whose national insurance contribution records were lost as a result of the shut down of the NIRS2 computer system, have not yet received those payments due to them which are reliant on contribution records; and what is the total amount in payments which is outstanding. [67637]

Mr. Timms

During the NIRS2 Migration period, the period from 19 June 1998 to 13 July 1998 during which the transfer of information from NIRS1 to NIRS2 was completed, no contribution records were lost and therefore no payments are due or outstanding as a consequence.

It is too early to give an indication of the number of individuals who have been overpaid benefit as a result of the problems with the introduction of NIRS2. However, all claims on which interim or emergency payments have been made will be subject to review once NIRS2 is fully operational which is expected to be April 1999. All overpayments will be considered on their own merits according to the Department's standard procedures.

Mr. Pickles

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security by what date the NIRS2 computer will be fully operational; by what date all contribution records will be restored; and by what date payments reliant on contribution records will be brought up to date. [67639]

Mr. Timms

The contractor has advised that the NIRS2 system is expected to be fully operational by April 1999. No contribution records have been lost and as a consequence there is no requirement to restore contribution records.

Those Age Related Rebate payments that are dependent upon information held on contribution records are expected to be brought up to date by April 1999.

Contributory Benefits that are paid as a result of information held on National Insurance accounts are expected to be reviewed within a six month period once all the necessary 1997–98 information is held on NIRS2. The Benefits Agency expects to commence work on these reviews in April 1999.