§ Sir C. Osborneasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance why persons who have been working in the United States of America and paying United Kingdom Income Tax and National Insurance contributions are not able to draw normal family allowances until they have been resident in this country after their return for a probationary period of several months, details of which have been sent to her by the hon. Member for Louth; if she will take steps to end this anomaly; and if she will make a statement.
§ Miss HerbisonTitle to family allowances is not linked with the payment of taxation or of National Insurance contributions. Under the Family Allowances (Qualifications) Regulations it is a condition for family allowances that the claimant has been in this country for at least six months out of the previous twelve. Similarly family allowances can continue to be paid for up to six months of temporary absence from this country. I cannot regard these provisions as anomalous.