Written question asked by David Harris (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 24 January 1997. It was answered by Oliver Heald (Conservative) on Friday, 24 January 1997 on behalf of the Department of Social Security.

Dept of Social Security

Question: If he will list the rules in respect of the granting of national insurance numbers, with special reference to how they relate to (a) nationals of other member states of the European Union and (b) nationals of other foreign countries.

Answer: Mr. Harris: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the rules in respect of the granting of national insurance numbers, with special reference to how they relate to (a) nationals of other member states of the European Union and (b) nationals of other foreign countries. [11057] Mr. Heald: Anyone who does not already have one is required to apply for a United Kingdom national insurance number if he is liable or entitled to pay UK national insurance contributions, irrespective of nationality. For administrative purposes, anyone claiming a UK social security benefit who does not already have a number will be asked to apply for one.

Secondary information