Section 151 Proof of previous offences

Subject to and in accordance with the following subsections, where a person is convicted of an offence mentioned in section 150(1) or (2)(a) above, evidence may be given of any previous failure by him to pay contributions under this Act, or reserve scheme contributions or premiums under the 1973 Act, within the time prescribed for the purpose; and in those subsections " the conviction " and " the offence " mean respectively the conviction referred to in this subsection and the offence of which the person is convicted.

Such evidence may be given only if notice of intention to give it is served with the summons or warrant or, in Scotland, the complaint on which the person appeared before the court which convicted him.

If the offence is one of failure to pay a Class 1 contribution, evidence may be given of failure on his part to pay (whether or not in respect of the same person) such contributions, or reserve scheme contributions or premiums, on the date of the offence, or during the 2 years preceding that date.

If the offence is one of failure to pay Class 2 contributions or is one of those mentioned in section 150(2)(a), evidence may be given of his failure to pay such contributions during those 2 years.

On proof of any matter of which evidence may be given under subsection (3) or (4) above, the person convicted shall be liable to pay to the Secretary of State a sum equal to the total of all amounts (whether contributions, premiums or both) which he is so proved to have failed to pay and which remain unpaid at the date of the conviction.