§ Mr. Peter Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what arrangements can be made to protect pension rights and social security benefits of persons whose insurance records are worsened by a period of imprisonment; and if he proposes to make any change in these arrangements.
§ Mr. Alison [pursuant to his reply, 10 December 1979, c. 522]Class 3 national702W the period 1 January to 3 May and from 4 May to the latest available date and the same figures for the same periods in 1977 and in 1978.
§ Mr. Humphrey AtkinsThe detailed information requested is not readily available and could not be produced without disproportionate cost. The following table sets out the information which is available on deaths by terrorist activity.
insurance contributions may be paid during periods of imprisonment or detention in legal custody. A self-employed person may if he prefers pay class 2 contributions. The time limit for payment of theses contributions will normally be extended up to the end of the sixth income tax year after the year in which imprisonment or detention ends. Class 3 contributions count towards widow's benefit, basic retirement pension, child's special allowance, maternity and death grants. Class 2 contributions additionally count towards sickness and invalidity benefit. I have no proposals to alter these arrangements.