§ 24. Mr. Canavanasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, in view of the change of law on the school leaving age, he will take steps to ensure that all young school leavers in full-time employment are given full national insurance cover.
§ Mr. DeakinsNational insurance cover is derived from contributions which become payable from age 16. Age 16 was adopted in order to simplify the scheme and to be consistent with other social security legislation. Since April 1975 the contribution conditions for benefits have been relaxed and school leavers in full-time employment will generally become eligible for benefits sooner than they would have done under previous legislation. Cover for industrial injuries benefits is not dependent on the payment of contributions and is available immediately a person takes up work as an employed earner.