§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether in the known abuses that go on with regard to social security payments he will seek to change the rules and procedures whereby any non-British person from any country in the world can land in the United Kingdom and claim supplementary assistance to cover his rent, heat, lights and other basic necessities; what is the limit of cash amounts and period of time of payments that such persons can claim; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. OrmeIt is not an abuse to claim benefit to which there is a legal entitlement, and I have no plans to change that. The amount and duration of benefit depends upon the circumstances of each claimant.