HC Deb 31 January 1955 vol 536 cc668-9
6. Mr. E. Fletcher

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether he is aware that discharged prisoners are unduly penalised by reason of no stamps appearing on their cards during their imprisonment, with the result that though they may obtain work for several months after their discharge, they become ineligible for unemployment and sickness benefit; and whether he will do something to remedy this situation.

Mr. Marples

Arrangements already exist which enable prisoners to maintain their contribution records in certain cases, but the National Insurance Advisory Committee are at present engaged on a general review of all the contribution conditions for benefits and I will draw the attention of the Committee to the point raised by the hon. Member.

Mr. Fletcher

I thank the Minister for that reply, but will he bear in mind that the rehabilitation of discharged prisoners is difficult enough and that they are unduly penalised if, as a result of the present system, they cannot get any sickness or unemployment benefit for two years after they come out of prison? Will he see that consideration is given in all cases? I have a number of letters on this subject which I shall be pleased to send to him.

Mr. Marples

I shall be glad if the hon. Member will send me those letters. I shall call the attention of the Advisory Committee to the supplementary question, but it would be unwise for me to express any opinion before the Committee have reported.

Colonel Gomme-Duncan

Is my hon. Friend aware that the fact that these cards are unstamped is another point which militates against the possible employment of ex-prisoners, as it shows that they are ex-prisoners?