§ Mr. Norman Fowlerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether she will extend the period in which application for deferment of payment of class 4, and class 2, national insurance contributions may be made.
§ Mr. O'MalleyYes. I propose to exercise the power given in the Contributions Regulations to allow applications made after 6th April to be considered, in view of circumstances attendant upon the launching of the new arrangements. Applications should be made as quickly as possible, however, so that, where necessary, action can be taken by my450W Department and the Inland Revenue to defer liability for payment of Class 2 and Class 4 contributions for 1975–76.
§ Mr. Norman Fowlerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what reports she has received on the non-availability of form CF 359 (Application for Deferment of Payment of Class 4 (and Class 2) Contributions) at local offices; and whether she will make a statement.
§ Mr. O'MalleyThe initial distribution of these forms to our local offices and to local tax offices was made in September 1974. On 17th March 1975 we first learned of shortages in a few areas, which appeared to have arisen from a sudden upsurge in demand. Immediate steps were taken to provide further supplies and the form should now again be available at all our local offices, as well as at local tax offices.