§ 39. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of National Insurance if she has considered a letter from the Secretary of the West Ham Trades Council, Mr. H. C. Willig, concerning the National Insurance payments of students over the age of 18 years; what was the request that the trades council made; and what reply she has sent.
§ Dr. SummerskillYes, Sir. I was asked to review the regulations governing the payment of contributions by students, and have replied explaining why I do not feel able to do so.
§ Mr. LewisDoes the Minister realise that many students find it very difficult to pay the contributions, and could she extend the concession which is given to students under 18 years of age to those who are over 18?
§ Dr. SummerskillI think my hon. Friend has forgotten that these students have the opportunity of paying the contributions after they have obtained work, and I am sure he would agree that it would be inequitable to the majority of young people who are called upon to pay these contributions while they work if we gave special privileges to the minority who are fortunate enough to have a university education.