§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what study he has made of the evidence supplied to him of married women who have paid a full rate of national insurance contributions but are unable to obtain benefits; if he will take immediate steps to amend this situation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DeakinsThere is evidence that some married women have paid full rate national insurance contributions despite an election to pay at the reduced rate. In such cases the contributions are invalid, cannot give entitlement to benefits, and are refundable. The regulations relating to revocation of a choice of reduced liability require a married woman to give written notice to my Department if she wishes to change to a liability for full rate contributions.
I will write to my hon. Friend about the individual case he has brought to my attention.