§ Mr. WebbTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what has been the policy since 1989 on writing annually to those of his Department's staff who are paying reduced rates of National Insurance contributions, reminding them of the rules governing the payment of reduced rates, as recommended in the Inland Revenue guidance note on reduced rate National Insurance contributions for married women. [129480]
§ Dr. ReidThe former Scottish Office observed guidance issued by the Inland Revenue that periodic reminders should be issued. A reminder was issued to relevant staff in 1997 and a further reminder will be issued shortly to staff in my Department. The frequency with which reminders are issued is being reviewed.