Written question asked by Angus Brendan MacNeil (Scottish National Party) on Monday, 27 June 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 30 June 2005. It was answered by Baroness Primarolo (Labour) on Monday, 4 July 2005 on behalf of the Treasury.

National Insurance (Offshore Facilities/Registration)

Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the effect is on (a) UK nationals and (b) non-UK nationals access to benefits conditional on payment of national insurance contributions of their employer's decision to register offshore.

Answer: The UK social security system does not distinguish between UK and non UK-nationals working in the UK. In general, having an employer that is a company registered outside the UK will make little practical difference to an employee's access to contributory benefits. If the employee works in the UK and meets the conditions as to residence or presence in the UK he or she will still have to pay NICs and therefore will qualify for benefits.

Secondary information