HC Deb 26 January 1988 vol 126 c230W
Mr. Burns

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the future of the present supplementary benefit residence test.

Mr. Needham

From April 1988 the residence test will not feature in the income support scheme as it would not be fully consistent with EC law and with the European social charter. However, adequate measures will continue to be taken to safeguard against abuse of public funds.