HC Deb 30 January 1975 vol 885 cc294-5W
Mr. Horam

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will amend the regulations which require a person who is laid off because of a dispute at his place of employment in which he is not directly involved to pay national insurance contributions at the non-employed rate.

Mr. O'Malley

From 6th April 1975 the payment of Class 3 contributions will be voluntary, and non-employed persons will no longer be liable for contributions. Those not directly involved in a dispute who satisfy the conditions currently in section 22(1) of the National Insurance Act 1965 will continue, as at present, to qualify for unemployment benefit, and thus for contribution credits, and will not need to pay Class 3 contributions.