HC Deb 03 July 2000 vol 353 c96W
Dr. Lynne Jones

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to inform women who have retained the right to pay the reduced rate of National Insurance contributions of the effect this will have on their future benefit entitlement. [128598]

Dawn Primarolo

A publicity exercise will be undertaken later this year. It will be aimed at all women who hold a valid election to pay National Insurance contributions at the reduced rate.

Dr. Lynne Jones

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if women who have not revoked their right to pay reduced rate National Insurance contributions(a) are entitled to receive credits on submission of medical certificates if they are too ill to work and (b) can pay voluntary Class 3 contributions for retirement pension for recent gaps in their national contribution record. [128600]

Dawn Primarolo

Women with a valid election to pay National Insurance contributions at the married womens' reduced rate are not entitled to receive National Insurance credits and they cannot pay voluntary Class 3 contributions.