§ 24. Mr. Russellasked the Minister of National Insurance how long it is proposed to continue the arrangement by which persons entering the United Kingdom from countries with which no reciprocal arrangements have been made, are compelled to have their insurance dated from 5th July, 1948.
§ Dr. SummerskillPersons entering this country from abroad for the first time fall under the general rules governing new entrants to insurance. It is not proposed to make any special rules for such cases otherwise than on a basis of reciprocity.
§ Mr. RussellDoes this not mean that many contributors will only get comparatively small pensions, and will she consider giving them the option of having their contributions returned as a lump sum with interest instead of a pension?
§ Dr. SummerskillCertain contributors can have their contributions returned, but I must remind the hon. Gentleman that this scheme was designed originally on an actuarial basis, which took into consideration the contributions which would 169 be made by practically every worker in this country from school-leaving age until retirement age. If a large number of people are introduced into the scheme at this stage, without those considerations being kept in mind, then the whole balance of the scheme will be upset.