HC Deb 06 December 1949 vol 470 cc1681-3
3. Mr. Awbery

asked the Minister of National Insurance if he is aware that some students entering colleges have been insured for several years and that, while in training, they are obliged to stamp their cards or lose all benefits for which they have paid, and that this is a great hardship on young men without any income; and if he will take steps to exempt these students for their training period.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of National Insurance (Mr. Steele)

No, Sir; students are neither compelled to pay contributions while attending college nor are they deprived of any title to benefit earned by contributions previously paid. I am sending my hon. Friend a leaflet on this subject, which I am sure he will find useful.

Mr. Awbery

While thanking my hon. Friend for that answer, may I ask him if he is aware that I received my information from a student who suffered this hardship?

Mr. Lipson

Does the answer of the hon. Gentleman mean that during the time they are in these colleges students have the same rights and privileges as if they were working and paying their contributions?

Mr. Steele

I would refer the hon. Member to the report of the National Insurance Advisory Committee, which sets out in detail the position of students.

Squadron-Leader Fleming

Is it not necessary for these students to have their cards stamped?

Mr. Steele

Many concessions have been made to students. They are not compelled to pay their contributions, but for three or four years after they have left college they are given time to enable them to make good their contributions if they so desire. If they wish to retain themselves in benefit it is necessary for them to pay a non-employed contribution.

4. Mr. Awbery

asked the Minister of National Insurance if he is aware that students undergoing one year emergency training for teachers have their insurance cards franked so that no loss of benefit is suffered by reason of their training, and that there is no such scheme for those students taking a longer period of training; and if he will provide for the franking of the cards of the long-term students on similar lines to the short-term.

Mr. Steele

The question of giving credits to students attending training courses has been considered on several occasions and my right hon. Friend is not prepared to extend the concessions already made. The emergency training scheme to which my hon. Friend refers is a temporary measure, and as it had received special treatment under the old Acts this was continued for the remainder of the period during which it will operate.

Mr. Awbery

Why is there this difference between a one-year student, who does not have to pay any contribution, and a two-year student, who is asked to pay contributions while in college or make up his payments subsequently?

Mr. Steele

The comparison is not between the one-year student and the two-year student: it is between the student who is in an emergency teacher training college and one who is not. Under the old Act the former got credits, and we thought it would be unfair to students who started their course after 5th July not to give them the concession as well.

Mr. Awbery

Would my hon. Friend consider franking the cards of students who are at college for two or three years, on the lines which are followed in the cases of those who are there for one year?