To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate for 1991–92 the numbers paying national insurance contributions in Great Britain, distinguishing (a) between the different classes of contribution and between employees and employers.

The information in respect of class 1, class 2 and class 4 contributions is given in the table.

Class of contribution	Estimated average weekly numbers million
Class 1 (employees)	18·75
Class 1 (employers)	11·40
Class 2 (self employed)	2·25
Class 4 (self employed)	22·00
1The latest available information is for 1990–91.
2Class 4 contributors also paying class 2 contributions.

In addition, some 250,000 individuals are expected to pay class 3 voluntary contributions at some point in the year, many of whom will also be paying another class of contribution.