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National Insurance Contributions Bill

My Lords, of course, I am grateful to the Minister for his general response. He referred to choppy waters, but choppy waters can be uncomfortable and people in boats can feel unwell in choppy waters. We are concerned that those waters may have sufficient movement to swamp many people. We are worried about the rate of job loss and the loss of income among many sectors of our community, which will be reflected in the overall state of the economy. Indeed, we may already have seen signs of that. The Minister is fully entitled to adopt his optimistic stance at this point but I hope that his words do not come back to haunt him given that his Administration’s proposals may lead to excessive job loss. We think that it is easy to read the signs of the very great difficulties that we shall face on the employment front and, therefore, in the economy. The Minister will also know that there is a difference in perspective between my party and the Government. Other significant Governments in the world—not least that of the United States—take a rather different perspective on what needs to be done in policy terms in relation to the present position as compared to the policy that he has adumbrated. Nevertheless, I am grateful that the Minister has been as constructive as he always seeks to be in response to my opening remarks. As we get into closer detail on the Bill, I do not have the slightest doubt that he will enjoy being even more constructive. Clause 1 agreed. Clause 2 agreed. Clause 3 : Increased product of additional rates to be paid into National Insurance Fund Amendment 1 Clause 3 : Increased product of additional rates to be paid into National Insurance Fund Amendment 1 Moved by