HC Deb 27 July 1979 vol 971 c690W
Mr. Lawrence

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services to what welfare benefits in the United Kingdom are European Economic Community citizens from other countries entitled; and in what circumstances and how long after entry to the United Kingdom they become so entitled.

Mr. Prentice

EEC nationals are entitled to use the NHS under the terms of regulation EEC 1408/71. Short stay visitors qualified for benefit under the regulations are entitled to treatment of immediate necessity. Use of personal social services in the United Kingdom does not depend on entitlement under EEC regulations, but there would generally be no discrimination on grounds of nationality.