HC Deb 07 November 1978 vol 957 c104W
36. Mr. Ridley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to make it possible to pay voluntary national insurance contributions, for those not obliged to do so, which will give cover against sickness and unemployment.

Mr. Deakins

No. Any such arrangement, which would need to be consistent with the concept of insurance against interruption of employment, would be of limited value and would add considerably to the complexity of the social system.