§ Earl Russellasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have yet received any representations from other governments of the Commonwealth about the introduction of the habitual residence test.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Social Security (Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknish):Her Majesty's Government has not received any representations from Commonwealth governments about the introduction of the habitual residence test.
§ Earl Russellasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have yet received any representations from other governments of the European Union about the introduction of the habitual residence test.
§ Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknish:The Government of the Irish Republic made representations in 1994.
§ Earl Russellasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will grant to women who have been victims of domestic violence, on a short-term basis if necessary, an exemption from the habitual residence test for means tested benefits, and whether they will promote consultations between the Home Office and the Department of Social Security on this subject.
§ Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknish:The habitual residence test has to be applied to all claimants impartially without any discrimination in accordance with the provisions of British law.