§ 10. Sir C. Osborneasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if she is aware that several Stallingborough scientists who worked temporarily in the United States of America and continued to pay Income Tax and National Insurance contributions, cannot now draw their normal family allowance until they have been resident in this country for a probationary period of several months; if she will have this Regulation altered; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. PentlandI would refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. Friend gave him on 22nd February.
§ Sir C. OsborneThat was a most unsatisfactory reply. Why should the Government treat these young scientists like criminals and put them on probation for six months before they can draw the 1214 family benefit to which they are entitled? Is not this a bad way to treat young scientists, and does it not cause them to stay in America instead of returning here?
§ Mr. PentlandWe have nothing to do——
§ Sir C. OsborneOh yes, you have.
§ Mr. Pentland—with the decisions people take, scientists or anybody else, as to how long they reside in America. No part of the National Insurance contribution is allocated to family allowances. In the Government's view, it would not be practicable to attempt to link eligibility for family allowance to liability to pay United Kingdom Income Tax.
§ Sir C. OsborneIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, with your permission, Mr. Speaker, I will try to raise the matter on the Adjournment.