HC Deb 07 June 1993 vol 226 cc142-3W
Mr. Dunn

To ask the Secretary' of State for Social Security what information he has as to how many non-British EC citizens claimed board and lodging allowances during the past 12 months; and what cost; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Burt

There is no board and lodging allowance within the social security system. The Department's records do not show a benefit claimant's nationality so information about the numbers of non-British EC citizens who receive income support and housing benefit is not available.

Mr. Dunn

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many non-British EC citizens have claimed benefits in the United Kingdom during the last 12 months; at what cost and for what purpose; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Burt

Separate information on the benefits claimed by non-British EC citizens in Great Britain and the amounts paid to them is not collected. The information requested is therefore not available. The position in Northern Ireland is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

Mr. Dunn

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps he is taking to prevent non-British EC citizens from coming to the United Kingdom for the purpose of claiming board and lodging allowances; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Burt

Students, pensioners and non-economically active people from member states of the European Community enter the United Kingdom on the condition that they do not become a charge on the social security system. An EC national seeking work in Great Britain may lose the right to income support after six months if he has not found employment and has no reasonable prospect of doing so. The only group of EC citizens and their families who can claim social security without qualification are those who are working or who have worked in the United Kingdom, but if unemployed, they must meet all the restrictions and requirements relating to such benefits. This means that they must generally be both available for and actively seeking work. Subject to this, all EC citizens have the right under European treaties to move freely to another member state.

There is no board and lodging allowance within the social security system. People with a genuine rent liability may get help with their housing costs from housing benefit. The position in Northern Ireland is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.