§ 37. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what consideration has been given to the recommendation contained in the Anderson Report that students over 18 years of age engaged in full-time study should be credited with National Insurance contributions during the period of such study; and what are his proposals in this respect.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe Anderson Committee did not, as stated in the Question, specifically recommend that students should be credited with National Insurance contributions. I would refer the hon. Member to paragraph 114 of its Report and to the reply in respect of the recommendation therein made which was given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Education in answer to the hon. Member for Sunderland, North (Mr. Willey) on 11th May.
§ Mr. DoddsDoes the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that students who go in for a grammar school course for A level passes are usually six or seven months over the age of 18? Since the privilege is given up to the age of 18, could it not be continued until the end of a grammar school course? Although there is a leaflet explaining the system, does the Minister appreciate that many 1001 students know nothing about this until they start work? It comes as a shock to be told that they owe for months previously. Can he devise a better method of ensuring that students know this when they become 18?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe main part in this matter, as I said in my main Answer, is for the Minister of Education, who has already answered a Question on it. From my point of view, I cannot see that it would be justifiable to give credits in this class of case at the expense of other contributors to the scheme.