HC Deb 24 March 1949 vol 463 cc540-2
29. Mr. Lipson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements he has made for the payment of National Insurance contributions for persons serving prison sentences.

Mr. Ede

Prisoners are excepted from liability to pay National Insurance contributions, but those who wish to do so may pay the contributions appropriate to non-employed persons, or they may arrange for their cards to be stamped by relatives or friends

Mr. Lipson

Does not the Home Secretary agree that it is desirable that when these people come out of prison they should still be in benefit, and that it is impossible in practice for their mothers or wives to keep them in benefit while they are in prison? Is it not possible, as these men and women work in prison, for them to have their cards stamped?

Mr. Ede

Advice was taken on that point and it was ruled that there was no contract of service between the prisoner and the Prison Commissioners. On the other point raised by the hon. Gentleman, my right hon. Friend the Minister of National Insurance sought the views of his Advisory Committee on the question whether contribution cards might be granted to certain classes of prisoners, for example, those in prison for the first time. He was advised against this on the ground that it would be wrong for a prisoner to be put into a better position than a man who, for one reason or another, has failed to keep up his contributions and also because the granting of credits would amount to a subsidy to prisoners at the expense of the general body of contributors.

Mr. H. Hynd

Would it not be more appropriate if, like Members of Parliament, they were classified as self-employed persons?

Mr. Ede

That is virtually what happens and, if they like to pay contributions in that respect, their contributions are kept up-to-date.

Mr. John Paton

In view of the fact, particularly in regard to long-term prisoners, that the disabilities which attach to them when they come out of prison may be life-long, will my right hon. Friend consult with the Minister of National Insurance to see if there is some way out of the difficulty?

Mr. Ede

I am constantly in touch with my right hon. Friend about the position of prisoners under this Act and I am endeavouring to see that, as far as possible, they shall not be unduly penalised, but I must have regard to the effect making concessions for them might have on the affairs of others who have not committed offences.

Mr. Lipson

As this is a matter of great importance, will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether there are some funds available, voluntary funds of any kind, which may be used? Will he look into that matter?