§ Mr. Meacherasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will take steps to amend the Social Security Act (Northern Ireland) which, operated in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Protection of Work Act, prevents an unemployed person who does not have a 10-year residence qualification from receiving benefit without a work permit, irrespective of special circumstances.
§ Mr. David HowellSocial security legislation in Northern Ireland at present requires, as a condition of unemployment benefit, residence of five years in the United Kingdom immediately before the period for which benefit is claimed. However, the Social Security Bill, which is now before Parliament and which will extend to Northern Ireland, does not include any corresponding condition.