§ Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what period of time must elapse before an immigrant can claim any State welfare or social security benefits in each of the following countries: Australia, Canada, France, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
§ Mr. OrmeAs far as I am aware, none of the countries listed imposes a waiting period that is of universal application to such benefits. The qualifying conditions in each country vary considerably according to the benefit involved and may be modified in relation to particular categories of immigrants by the terms of EEC regulations, reciprocal agreements or other international conventions.