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.

[pursuant to his reply, 7 June 1993, column 140]: The following information was incorrect:"It is estimated that in 1994–95 about million people whose earnings fall below the basic rate income tax threshold will pay slightly more in national insurance contributions."The correct information is as follows:It is estimated that in 1994–95 about 2¼ million people whose earnings fall below the threshold for basic rate income tax of 25 per cent. will pay slightly more in national insurance contributions.