§ 70. Mr. Edwin Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the methods his Department adopts to notify the public that any arrears of National Insurance contributions must be paid within a period of six years and that otherwise their benefits, especially pensions rights, will be affected.
§ Mr. David EnnalsInsured persons in this country are in general required to pay National Insurance contributions weekly as liability arises. They are informed of any arrears of contributions, but normally no special steps are taken to inform them of the six-year time limit for contributions to count for benefit. For people such as students, those excepted from liability on grounds of small income, persons detained in legal custody136W and certain persons abroad, who have the right to pay contributions although they are not obliged to do so, leaflets explaining their position and drawing attention to the time limits for payment are available at all National Insurance Offices.