§ 8. Mr. Kaufmanasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will amend the National Insurance (Contributions) Regulations, 1969, (S.I. No. 1696) so as to provide for the repayment of contributions to married women who, having made insufficient contributions, fail to qualify for retirement pension under the half-test condition; and if he will make this repayment retrospective in any cases which may be drawn to his attention.
§ Mr. DeanI do not think it is necessary to amend the regulations, but I am writing to the hon. Member about the particular case which he brought to my notice.
§ Mr. KaufmanI am very grateful to the hon. Gentleman. I hope that in considering the case he will be kind enough to take into account the fact that a constitutent of mine has paid more than 500 contributions but does not qualify for retirement benefit in her own right and has no right to the return of her contributions.
§ Mr. DeanI think that the hon. Gentlemena will be pleased with the letter which he will receive from me shortly.