Alistair Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to extend home responsibilities protection toall foster carers to cover the period over which they have fostered children. [54810]Mr. McCartney: Foster carers whose allowance contains a reward element may be liable for national insurance contributions on aself-employed basis. Where there is no liability, they may choose to pay voluntary contributions to assist in qualifying for stateretirement pension. Foster carers who receive child benefit for their own children aged under 16 will be eligible for homeresponsibilities protection. We will keep these arrangements under review as we do with all rules relating to benefits.