§ 19. Mr. McLeavyasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance whether negotiations have now been resumed with the Government of New Zealand for a reciprocal agreement upon the payment of pensions; and when Parliament is likely to have a statement upon the matter.
§ Mr. PeakeYes, Sir. A draft agreement is under discussion, and Parliament will be informed as soon as the negotiations are concluded.
§ Mr. McLeavyIs the Minister aware that a number of widows who have returned to this country from New Zealand, and possibly from other Dominions, have lost their pensions because they have taken up permanent residence in England, and that the New Zealand Government, in particular, say that the pensions will be paid when agreement is arrived at with Her Majesty's Government? Will the Minister regard this matter as one of urgency and see if he can expedite some satisfactory arrangement?
§ Mr. PeakeYes, delegates from New Zealand are in this country at the present time and I hope to be able to report the conclusion of the agreement very shortly.