§ Mr. Steelasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received about the social security rights of those returning from Voluntary Service Overseas; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. BoysonWe have been asked to alter the regulations governing national insurance contributions to enable volunteers to pay class 1 employed earners' contributions even though they earn less than the lower earnings limit, currently £32.50 a week. The amendment has been requested because volunteers who are unable to pay class 1 contributions and who cannot find work when they return to this country often do not qualify for unemployment benefit.
The lower earnings limit is an essential part of the structure of the national insurance scheme: without it an individual could obtain sickness or unemployment benefit at a rate higher than his income from work. If we were, nevertheless, to make a concession to VSO volunteers, other low-paid groups in this country might well consider that they were equally deserving and were unfairly treated by comparison.
The rules applicable to volunteers going overseas are interpreted as generously as possible; half or more of the volunteers are able to pay class 1 contributions for the first 52 weeks abroad and so qualify for all national insurance benefits on their return. Volunteers who do not pay these contributions and who on their return are in need can, of course, claim supplementary benefit.
§ Mr. Steelasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he plans to remove the minimum earnings limit for Voluntary Service Overseas and British Volunteer programme-sponsored volunteers.
§ Dr. BoysonNo. The lower earnings limit is a universal limit for class 1 national insurance contribution liability for all employees, both here and abroad. Without it, some workers would be in the position where short-term benefit (for sickness or unemployment) would offer the prospect of a higher income than their job. If such a concession were given to one group of people it would have to be paid for by contributors as a whole and would, no doubt, result in pressure for similar treatment from other low paid people.