§ Mr. G. M. Thomsonasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance (1) how many full-time students over the age of 18 were voluntarily paying Class 3 contributions at the most recent convenient 74W date; how many hold students' contribution cards but opt to make no contribution; and if he will give separate figures in respect of Scottish offices of his Department;
(2) if he will give an estimate of the number of former full-time students and approved trainees, at the most convenient recent date, which have completed their training for six years or more and who have failed to repay national insurance contributions in respect of their period of study;
(3) if he will give an estimate of the percentage of full-time students and approved trainees, who elect to repay contributions during the statutory six years following the end of the period of full-time education or training.
§ Mrs. ThatcherI regret that no such statistics are available and, as the contribution records of insured persons who are or were students are not held separately from those of their 24 million fellows, could not be obtained without disproportionate expenditure.