HC Deb 30 April 1951 vol 487 c834
40. Mr. Henry Hopkinson

asked the Minister of National Insurance when she expects that the negotiations now in progress with the Federal German Republic with the object of securing reciprocal national insurance arrangements with that country will be completed.

Dr. Summerskill

Agreement has already been reached on general principles and a legal instrument is being drafted. A number of detailed points are outstanding which it is intended to discuss at a further meeting this summer. Thereafter, I hope that an agreement can be concluded.

Mr. Hopkinson

Does the right hon. Lady realise that the present arrangements are working to the serious detriment of relatives of British personnel serving in Germany who visit their relations in the Forces? Will she do her utmost to expedite this matter before the summer to enable them to visit their relatives?

Dr. Summerskill

I am doing everything that I can. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman will agree that when one has bilateral discussions a lot depends upon the other side. If he will give me the details of any case, I will try to do what I can to help him.

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