§ Mr. Tilleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many men reached the age of 65 years between April 1975 and April 1978, continued in regular employment, and paid national insurance contributions which are not refundable and which do not entitle them to any extra benefit; what is the total amount of contributions paid in this way: and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ChalkerI regret that the information requested is not available. The arrangements in force between April 1975 and April 1978 were similar to those in operation before April 1975 under which men between age 65 and 70 who deferred their retirement continued to pay contributions while working and were able to build up entitlement to pension increments. From April 1975, entitlement to pension increments was related 523W to the amount of pension forgone instead of, as previously, to the number of contributions paid on account of work done after pension age.
§ Miss Richardsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what would be the saving in 1980–81 if the ceiling on national insurance contributions were abolished.
§ Mr. PrenticeI will let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.