HC Deb 02 June 1997 vol 295 cc15-6
15. Mr. Rooney

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations she has received on the operation of the habitual residence test. [891]

Mr. Keith Bradley

To date, I have received only one representation on the habitual residence test, from the charity Prisoners Abroad.

Mr. Rooney

I thank my hon. Friend for that answer. I am sure that he recognises that the test was introduced by one of the most vicious and vindictive Acts of the last Parliament. It had little to do with benefit tourism and more to do with people from the Indian subcontinent. Does he agree that, as a minimum, the Act should be amended so that the test does not apply to British citizens and people with the right of permanent abode in Great Britain?

Mr. Bradley

I am grateful for my hon. Friend's comments because I know that he has considered the issue in great detail over the years. His assiduousness on behalf of his constituents is well known. We shall undertake a wide-ranging review of the social security system and I assure my hon. Friend that the habitual residence test will be included.