To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the latest estimate of the amount of revenue that would accrue to the Government in the first full year from an increase in employees' national insurance contributions of (a) 1 per cent. and (b) 2 per cent.

The figures are as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has as to how many people below the basic rate income tax threshold will pay more national insurance contributions during the 1994–95 financial year as a result of the changes announced in the Budget.

It is estimated that in 1994–95 about 500,000 people whose earnings fall below the basic rate income tax threshold will pay slightly more in national insurance contributions.