§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has received the communications dated 3rd February from the hon. Member for New-ham, North-West drawing attention to the views of Dr. Niranjar Singh Maagat on the abuses of the social services benefits by some of the immigrant population, and making proposals which would overcome these abuses; and whether he will arrange to meet this gentlemen and discuss these matters with him.
§ Mr. OrmeI have read Dr. Maagat's views with interest, but they do not persuade me that any change is needed in the rules whereby immigrants are entitled to social security benefits.
So far as Dr. Maagat's allegations about abuse and exploitation of the system are concerned, I have always made it clear that I am determined to act against the small minority who discredit our welfare system. I will gladly arrange for Dr. Maagat to meet one of the officials concerned with such problems if he believes that he has information which would be useful to us.