HC Deb 13 February 1976 vol 905 cc429-30W
Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the criteria for an immigrant arriving in the United Kingdom to draw social security benefits.

Mr. O'Malley

Immigrants admitted for permanent settlement can qualify for national insurance benefits when they are able to satisfy the appropriate qualifying conditions either by virtue of their insurance here or by reciprocal arrangements. Supplementary benefit is available to all persons in Great Britain aged 16 or over who are not in full-time work and whose resources are insufficient for their requirements, in accordance with the provisions of the Supplementary Benefit Acts.