HC Deb 25 March 2004 vol 419 c1029W
Mr. Evans

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate the Government have made of how many EU accession country citizens will make use of the benefits system in the UK. [157345]

Mr. Pond

A number of studies have been published which offer estimates of the number of people coming to the United Kingdom from the EU accession countries, but these do not take into account the measures announced on 23 February by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary and the steps we are taking to publicise them in the countries most concerned. Consequently no precise estimate of the numbers likely to travel to the UK and claim benefits has been made.