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National Insurance Contributions Bill

The attitude of the hon. Member for Taunton (Mr. Browne) to the Bill is fairly friendly, but mine is not. I believe it to be a nasty little Bill, whose effect will be to impose taxation of £1.5 billion on those earning between £37,000 and £43,000. It was introduced as an afterthought—or rather to give the appearance of being an afterthought—to the Budget. The amendments so ably spoken to by my hon. Friend the Member for South-West Hertfordshire (Mr. Gauke) would be effective in helping in one way, but the main thrust of the damage will remain.