§ Mr. Roweasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what class of national insurance credits is given 235W to 16 and 17-year-olds (a) on youth training schemes as trainees, (b) in work earning below the lower earnings limit, (c) at college or school and (d) on supplementary benefit; and in each case, what are the benefits towards which the credit may be counted.
§ Mr. NewtonClass 3 national insurance credits are given to all 16 and 17-year-olds to the extent required to make a year count for claims to retirement pension, widows pension and widowed mothers allowance. If a claim to unemployment benefit, sickness benefit or maternity allowance is made, class 1 credits are also available as necessary for the contribution year on which that claim is based.