Written question asked by Lord Hammond of Runnymede (Conservative) on Tuesday, 20 January 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 2 February 2004. It was answered by Baroness Hughes of Stretford (Labour) on Monday, 2 February 2004 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what records will be kept of numbers of citizens of EU accession states entering the UK and intending to settle here after 1st May.

Answer: Mr. Hammond: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what records will be kept of numbers of citizens of EU accession states entering the UK and intending to settle here after 1 May. [150082] Beverley Hughes: From accession, nationals from new member states will be EU nationals and will be treated in the same way as current EU/EEA nationals. They will be admitted to the UK on production of a valid passport or identity card. EU/EEA nationals can obtain settled status (permanent residence) in the UK only by demonstrating that they have been exercising treaty rights for a period of four years and have a residence permit. The Home Office keeps a record of both the number of residence permits granted and those who are granted permanent residence.

Secondary information