HC Deb 16 January 2002 vol 378 cc307-8W
Mr. Edward Davey

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total cost of administering the national insurance contributions system in(a) 1980, (b) 1990, (c) 2000 and (d) 2000–01 in (i) current prices and (ii) historic prices, broken down by (A) the cost of collecting contributions, (B) the cost of paying contributory benefits and pensions and (C) all other costs of recording and administering the national insurance system. [26863]

Dawn Primarolo

The cost incurred in administering the national insurance scheme in 1980, 1990 and 2000 is detailed in the National Insurance Fund Accounts for Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

These are published in White Paper Accounts and are available from the House of Commons Library.

The 2000–01 accounts are currently being audited by the National Audit Office.

Mr. Bercow

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the estimated full year revenue effect of abolishing the upper earnings limit for employees' national insurance contributions. [26228]

Dawn Primarolo

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 19 November 2001,Official Report, column 135W.