§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what would be the net cost of paying social security benefits which are awarded specifically on account of disablement or incapacity for work to all those persons currently in the United Kingdom who satisfy all the conditions except the presence and residence in the United Kingdom qualifications, if those qualifications were extended to residence or presence in any country within the European Communities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisThe information is not available to answer the first part of my hon. Friend's Question. Under the EEC regulations on social security, periods of employment or insurance in another member state can be taken into account in certain circumstances for the purpose of satisfying the residence and other conditions for United Kingdom benefits covered by the regulations. These provisions do not, however, enable a person who is in another member State of the EEC to be regarded as present in the United Kingdom for the purpose of qualifying for benefit.