HC Deb 04 June 1956 vol 553 cc700-1
33. Mr. Atkins

asked the Minister of Health what test of means is required of persons seeking to obtain benefit under reciprocal agreements by which British subjects travelling abroad may obtain medical or hospital treatment.

Miss Hornsby-Smith

The benefits enjoyed by British subjects employed in countries with which we have so far concluded reciprocal agreements depend on insurance qualifications only and are not subject to a means test. The Conventions on Social and Medical Assistance concluded by the Council of Europe and the former Brussels Treaty countries apply to indigent persons only, and the benefits they confer are subject to a test of means in accordance with the legislation of each Contracting Party.

34. Mr. Atkins

asked the Minister of Health what steps he is taking to ensure that people going abroad know of the reciprocal agreements under which British subjects travelling abroad may obtain medical or hospital treatment, and how to make use of them if the need arises.

Miss Hornsby-Smith

In general, the agreements so far concluded relate to British subjects going abroad for employment. The Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance gave publicity to these agreements, both when they were signed and when they were ratified, and leaflets describing their detailed provisions (including those relating to medical and hospital treatment) are sent to inquirers by that Department.

Mr. Atkins

Could my hon. Friend give a little publicity to the arrangements? Most people who go abroad do not know to which countries these arrangements apply, let alone how to make use of them when they are abroad. Could my hon. Friend not take further steps to make these matters better known?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

This affects only a small group of people, and if someone is going abroad to take up employment he or she naturally applies to the Departments to find out what facilities will be available.

Dr. Summerskill

In view of the number of complaints about the high medical charges in certain countries, particularly in the United States, would the hon. Lady not think it advisable to inform the public that it is possible, on payment of a small premium, to cover oneself under an insurance scheme for medical service which might be required, especially in the United States?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

That raises another point, but I shall be happy to look into it.

35. Mr. Atkins

asked the Minister of Health with which foreign Governments he is now having discussions with a view to making reciprocal agreements under which British subjects may obtain medical or hospital treatment when in those countries.

Miss Hornsby-Smith

There is at present nothing to add to the Answer given on 16th April to my hon. Friend the Member for Norfolk, Central (Sir F. Medlicott).

Mr. Atkins

Are there no discussions going on? Is that because there are no countries in which there is any kind of health service which would be a basis for making an agreement, or is it because all the other countries have refused to enter into discussions?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

In the main, we can bring about reciprocal agreements only where there are comparable services upon which we can base some negotiations. As my hon. Friend knows, there are many countries with which we have agreements but quite a number have nothing with which we could make reciprocal arrangements.