§ Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many national insurance cards have been issued for the first time to persons who have not previously resided in the United Kingdom for each of the years 1973, 1974, 1975, and so far for 1976 including Southern Irish citizens working in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. OrmeThe numbers of new registrations for national insurance of persons coming to the United Kingdom from abroad were as follows:
Prior to 6th April 1975, persons over school leaving age and under pensionable age—except married women who were not working—coming from abroad were required to register for national insurance within at least six months of arrival. From 6th April 1975, payment of contributions by persons who are not working has been voluntary and such persons from abroad are no longer required to register unless they wish to pay.
1973 182,522 1974 169,998 1975 129,706 1976 96,623—to 30th November 1976