HC Deb 13 February 1973 vol 850 cc296-7W
Mr. Robert Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is satisfied with the method of recording information concerning the Class I insurance contributions paid by mature students prior to full-time study and if these records enable such students with complete Class III contributions during full-time study subsequently to receive the correct and full benefit entitlement in the event of a delay in obtaining employment.

Mr. Dean

Yes. Both the Class 1 and the Class 3 contributions are recorded at our records branch at Newcastle in the normal way. The records are noted to show periods of study so that the Class 3 contributions can be treated as Class 1 for benefit purposes. These arrangements normally operate satisfactorily, but I regret that in the case recently brought to my notice by my hon. Friend the relevant note was overlooked. As he knows, the matter has since been rectified and full benefit paid.