§ 61. Mr. SUTCLIFFEasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the number of cases in which insured persons lose the entire amount of their contributions over a long period of years owing to the fact that shortly before attaining the age of 65 they start some small business of their own; and whether, when they cease to be insured 981 employés, their approved societies notify them that they can preserve their rights by continuing as voluntary contributors?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREMy right hon. Friend is aware that every half-year a number of persons, after having been insured for a period of years as employed contributors, take up business on their own account, and, after a free period of insurance of about 21 months, can only retain their rights under the schemes of health insurance and contributory pensions by becoming voluntary contributors. Approved societies have been instructed to inform their members of the position, and my right hon. Friend has no reason to think that they fail to do so.