Immigrants sitting a new citizenship exam must prove they know how to claim benefits - but will not be questioned on British history.

The Government said there is "a lot of British history and it would not be fair".
Instead, migrants hoping to be granted a UK passport must answer questions on applying for jobseeker's allowance, seeking compensation, complaining about the police and human rights law.

Critics last night said leaving British history out of the test, which cost £400,000 to develop, was 'bizarre'.
It means it is possible to become a citizen while having no knowledge of Churchill, the two World Wars, Nelson or the Battle of Waterloo, they said.

The Home Office announced the introduction of 'Britishness' tests for all those seeking citizenship following the Bradford, Oldham and Burnley riots in 2001.
The then Home Secretary David Blunkett said it was vital immigrants had a good knowledge of the country they had chosen to live in.

Two paragraphs on First World War.

In a statement to MPs, the Home Office yesterday said the tests would begin later this year. All migrants applying for citizenship will be given a 145-page pamphlet, prepared by Sir Bernard Crick.

It includes a 25-page guide on our past, ranging from 'The Roman Conquest' to 'New Labour'. There are two paragraphs on the First World War, but three on the Blair premiership.

But there will be no history in the test. A Home Office spokesman said: "The rationale is there is a lot of British history and it would not be fair."

The quiz will instead be based on the rest of the pamphlet - called Life in the United Kingdom: A Journey to Citizenship.

As well as chapters on benefits and rights and law, it also offers advice on socialising in Britain.
The section on pubs reads: "If you spill a stranger's drink by accident, it is good manners (and prudent) to offer to buy another."

Immigrants will be charged £25 to sit the 24-question exam and can keep taking it until they pass, officials said.

'Simply bizarre'

Ministers have not yet decided how many correct answers will be needed. A pass is rewarded with a citizenship ceremony, a passport and the right to vote.

Officials said the test would allow immigrants to show they have a good grasp of their 'rights and responsibilities'.

Those with good English will sit the exam, under supervision, at one of 2,000 learning centres. Those with poor English will complete the exam as part of a course of ten two-hour classes.

Critics rounded on the plans. Sir Andrew Green, chairman of Migrationwatch UK, said: "The whole purpose of this exercise is to encourage integration into our society.
"A knowledge of our history is fundamental to this process. To teach people about benefits and not about history is simply bizarre."

Shadow Home Secretary David Davis said: "These citizenship tests must not become another costly New Labour gimmick. It is vital that a British citizenship test is about Britain - not how to claim benefits."

Nick Seaton, chairman of Campaign for Real Education, said: "Anyone coming to live in Britain should have a good knowledge of British history and our culture in general."
The section in the pamphlet on history was added by Mr Blunkett following a Daily Mail campaign, even though he insisted knowing "the six wives of Henry VIII doesn't constitute being a good citizen".

In the introduction, the pamphlet admits: "Some history is essential for understanding the culture of any new country."
But there will be no way of checking if immigrants have bothered to read the history section, critics say.