HC Deb 29 June 1966 vol 730 cc313-4W
Mr. Buchanan-Smith

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what steps she takes to warn students who do not pay Class III National Insurance contributions that this may affect their entitlement to benefit later; and whether she is satisfied that these steps are adequate.

Mr. Pentland

The position of students in relation to National Insurance is drawn to their attention in a number of ways. Full information is set out in leaflet N.I.30 which is available at all local offices. This leaflet is referred to on the back of the National Insurance card and in a poster prepared by the Central Office of Information which all schools and colleges have been asked to display. A specially prepared shorter leaflet N.I.30A is included in the grant literature issued to students by Local Education Authorities. My Department has also assisted the National Union of Students in the preparation of the recently issued booklet entitled "Students and National Insurance". If the hon.

Mr. MacDermot

The pensions are shown in the following table, which relates to retirements at 31st December in each year, this being the basis on which improved statistics are now being compiled for representative grades.

London rates of pay have been used for all figures up to 1959 since these correspond most closely with the outer London rates which were first introduced in 1961.

Special and time-consuming calculations would be required to produce figures for the Senior Executive Officer grade and for retirements at 31st December, 1944.

Member can suggest any further action which might be taken I will gladly consider it.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance what proportion of students pay Class III National Insurance contributions; and how many of those who do not make them up later.

Mr. Pentland

I regret that such statistics are not available and, as the contribution records of insured persons who are or were students are not held separately from those of others, could not be obtained without disproportionate expenditure.