To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many temporary national insurance numbers were issued by HM Revenue and Customs in each year since 1997; and what proportion were for tax credit purposes. (116600)

For numbers to 2005-06, I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave on 30 March 2006, Official Report, column 1114W, to the right hon. Member for Birkenhead (Mr. Field).

Around 14,000 temporary references using a NINO format have been issued from April 2006 to date.