HC Deb 19 June 1973 vol 858 cc357-8
12. Mr. Dempsey

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make provision to ensure that students for the teaching profession who previously paid National Insurance contributions shall have their entitlement to benefits protected until such time as they resume normal employment; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Dean

There are already arrangements under which mature students can pay National Insurance contributions voluntarily to protect their benefit entitlement. It would not be right to single out student teachers for a special concession.

Mr. Dempsey

But they cannot afford it. Does not the Minister agree that a National Insurance contributor whose employment is interrupted by unemployment or sickness should have his insurance card franked or credited and have not only his benefits but those of his wife and family protected? Why cannot there be a similar arrangement to mark the cards of those whose employment is interrupted because they elect to engage in a full-time course of educational study to assist this country to overcome the teaching shortage?

Mr. Dean

I understand the hon. Gentleman's point, and I think I know the case to which he is referring. I hope that he will agree that a scheme dealing with many millions of people must try to ensure that one group does not subsidise another. The fact is that students rightly receive preferential arrangements within the National Insurance Scheme already.