§ Mr. Ovendenasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will introduce legislation to bring the regulations concerning residential qualifications for supplementary benefit claimants in Northern Ireland in line with the regulations in Great Britain.
§ Mr. DunnNo. Residential qualification for supplementary benefit claimants is necessary in Northern Ireland to prevent residents of the Republic, especially those living in border areas, from being able to claim benefit. To change the present arrangements would not be justified.