§ 30. Mrs. Leah Manningasked the Minister of National Insurance whether he will grant credits in lieu of insurance payments to all full-time students, irrespective of age, in view of the great financial hardship which a contribution of 4s. 8d. a week for a man makes.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsAs I explained in the Debate on the National Insurance (Contributions) Regulations, 1948, on 14th July last, the utmost concession which I have found it possible to make to students over the age of 18 is to relieve them from the obligation to pay contributions in respect of periods of full-time education. I do not feel able, in fairness to the general body of contributors, to make provision also for the grant of credits in these cases. I am, however, proposing to submit to the National Insurance Advisory Committee in the near future a draft regulation which will give former students an opportunity of making retrospective payments of contributions covering the period of their course.