To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 19 February 2007, Official Report, column 485W, on national insurance contributions, what steps he has taken to rectify letters relating to the non-payment of national insurance contributions in the 2004-05 tax year sent in error. (131409)

During 2006-07, HM Revenue and Customs sent 4.7 million letters to customers advising them of a potential shortfall in their National insurance contributions for the 2004-05 tax year. The majority of these letters were correct but some contained incorrect information.

HMRC contacted many of the employers involved and also worked closely with representative bodies to inform their members. The vast majority of the 2004-05 end of year information has now been processed successfully. Where a letter had been sent in error, HMRC has either sent, or is in the process of sending, a follow-up letter explaining that sufficient NI contributions have been paid and that 2004-05 is now a qualifying year for benefit purposes.

Any employees who are still waiting for a follow-up letter, or are unsure of their NI position, can send a copy of their 2004-05 P60 to the address on the deficiency notice and HMRC will investigate their case.