§ 53 and 54. Mr. Langford-Holtasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance (1) on what dates negotiations with Germany, with a view to concluding a reciprocal agreement to ensure that dependants of Service men living in British Army of the Rhine are not excluded from their rights under the National Insurance Act, 1946. were commenced and concluded;
§ (2) why a reciprocal agreement with the German Federal Government to ensure that dependants of Service men living in British Army of the Rhine are not excluded from their rights under the National Insurance Act, 1946, has not yet been concluded.
§ Mr. PeakeNegotiations for an agreement that would include the persons referred to by my hon. Friend have reached an advanced stage and an agreement will, I hope, be signed shortly. There have been a number of complicated matters to settle and I do not think that it would have been possible for us to make quicker progress.
§ Mr. Langford-HoltIs my right hon. Friend aware that there is considerable bewilderment and resentment on the part of those serving in Germany when they are told that they are serving on a home station, whilst, at the same time, their dependent relatives, such as mothers, have their pensions stopped on the ground that they are abroad? As this is not a matter which has arisen recently but has been hanging fire for eight years, during which period we have had complete rights in Germany, why has nothing happened hitherto?
§ Mr. PeakeIt is rather a novel situation which has arisen recently with a number of men serving in Germany who have desired to have their elderly relatives living with them. We have already 1721 started negotiations with the German Republic for a reciprocal agreement, and that agreement will be signed shortly.
§ Mr. Langford-HoltIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment on 9th March.