§ Mr. Brothertonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many communications he has now received from members of the public concerning the non-participation by the self-employed in the Government's contributory pensions scheme.
§ Mr. DeakinsAbout 1,470 such communications have been received since 14th March 1978. About 1,400 were applications for a partial refund of Class 4 national insurance contributions for past years on the grounds that the self-employed will not be eligible for earnings-related pension benefits. As my right 799W hon. Friend said in his reply to the hon. Member on 12th April, any such application is wholly misconceived.