§ 27. Mr. Jeffrey Archerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with the working of the rule requiring 156 paid national insurance contributions as the basis for qualification for various benefits; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DeanYes. The National Insurance Scheme is a contributory one, and I think the payment of 156 flat-rate contributions represents a reasonable basis for entitlement to the long-term benefits.