§ Mr. Marlowasked the Secretary of State for Social Services under what circumstances immigrants aged over 60 to 65 years who are not entitled to retirement pensions are entitled to supplementary benefit; and how the money levels in either case compare.
§ Mr. RossiA person from abroad admitted without restriction on his stay is eligible for benefit on the same basis as anyone else. Where someone already here has given a written undertaking to be responsible for the maintenance and accommodation of another person admitted to the country there is a legally enforceable maintenace liability. People from countries outside the European Community who are admitted with limited leave on the understanding that they will not be a charge on public funds do not receive benefit except on an urgent need basis. Meaningful comparison with retirement pension is not possible as the level of supplementary benefit is related to the individual's resources and requirements.