HC Deb 21 January 1954 vol 522 cc1185-6
25. Mrs. White

asked the Minister of Education how far voluntary contributions to National Insurance by full-time students over 18 years of age are considered in assessing income for grants.

The Minister of Education (Miss Florence Horsbrugh)

Grants paid to students by my Department are not increased if award holders voluntarily pay contributions during their period of study.

Mrs. White

In view of the great difficulties in which students find themselves if they take advantage of these deferred contributions allowed by the Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance, will the Minister reconsider this whole problem and include payment for National Insurance among the expenses allowed when she herself is making a grant, and also give advice to local authorities in the same sense?

Miss Horsbrugh

The position of students under the Insurance Act is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance.

Mrs. White

I am quite aware of that, but could not the right hon. Lady look into the difficulties which have, in fact, arisen from students deferring their National Insurance contributions during the period of study, which creates considerable difficulties both for themselves and their dependants?

Miss Horsbrugh

I will certainly look into the matter and if the hon. Lady will send me any facts she has I shall be grateful.

Mr. Marquand

Is not the right hon. Lady aware that when she makes her own Income Tax returns she is entitled to claim this expense? If so, could she not do that for students as well?

Miss Horsbrugh

I should be glad of any information from the right hon. Gentleman about any way to obtain relief from Income Tax.