§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is aware of the concern felt by retirement pensioners, the sick and disabled and other British-born citizens being refused welfare benefits whereas Ugandan-born Asians are immediately granted cash payments, housing and other assistance; and whether he will ensure that those who have contributed in rates and taxes and to the national insurance funds are treated as generously as those who have made no such contributions.
§ Sir K. JosephThe welfare benefits for which I am responsible are available by long-standing statutory requirement to anybody in this land who needs them. I do not believe that many people grudge providing them for those who, having been expelled, have come here and need what will almost certainly be very temporary help while they prepare to become self-supporting. I certainly do not accept that welfare benefits are being improperly administered.