asked the Minister of National Insurance whether, in view of the fact that the use which merchant seamen can make of the National Health Service is limited by their enforced absence from this country, she is prepared to make a proportionate reduction in their weekly contribution under the National Insurance scheme.

It is a fundamental principle of the National Insurance scheme that contributions should be at flat rates and not related to individual circumstances. The arrangements for merchant seamen are the result of consultation with both sides of the shipping industry, and are in accordance with the recommendations of the National Insurance Advisory Committee.