I received this reply from Settlement Ops on 15 August re dependents of HSMP pre Nov 2006. And it is quite clear now that depedents of initial HSMP visa holders don't need 2 years residence to qualify for ILR.
[quote]
From: Settlement Ops Policy Mailbox [mailto:
SettlementOpsPolicy@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk]
Sent: 15 August 2011 15:35
To: XXXXX
Subject: HSMP/Tier 1 ILR & Dependent Query
Dear XXXXXX,
If you applied to the HSMP between 3 April 2006 and 7 November 2006, received an approval letter and came to or stayed in the United Kingdom on the basis of that letter you are still required to complete a period of five years' continuous residence in relevant immigration routes before you can apply to settle in the United Kingdom. This is because you did not enter the HSMP until after the Immigration Rules had changed on 3 April 2006. However, you do not need to meet the 'Knowledge of language and life in the UK' requirement as part of your settlement application. You can find out more by visiting the Migrants who applied to the HSMP between 3 April 2006 and 7 November 2006 page of the UK Border Agency website.
You fall into this group if: you were initially granted entry clearance or permission to stay in the United Kingdom for two years under the HSMP requirements; and you then extended that initial permission by a further three years (unless you had already completed sufficient continuous residence in a different immigration route which can be amalgamated for settlement purposes). When you have completed at least five years' continuous residence in the United Kingdom in a qualifying category, you can apply for settlement using the SET(O) application form. We will consider your application against the settlement requirements described in paragraph 27 of the policy document, which you can download from the right side of the page (that you can access on the link above).
How are dependants affected? – The immigration status of dependants of migrants in the categories covered by this policy will follow that of the principal applicant.
Settlement Operational Policy Advisor, UK Border Agency.
From: XXXXXXXXXX
Sent: 12 August 2011 15:22
To: Settlement Ops Policy Mailbox
Subject: Dependent Query
Dear Sir/Madam,
I was granted HSMP visa in August 2006 and my wife was granted the HSMP dependent visa in July 2008. We had our visas extended since to Tier 1 (General).
I am due to apply for ILR in the first week of September. Please reply if my understanding (stated below) is correct as per the current settlement rules?
 My wife does not complete two years residence in UK when I apply for ILR. I understand that, she is not required to complete 2 years residence in UK to qualify for ILR as my dependent as:
i. She was granted HSMP dependent visa initially.
ii. She is covered with me under HSMP ILR JR, which states, “Dependents will follow the status of the main applicantâ€