§ 44. Mr. R. W. Elliottasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance when he expects reciprocal social security arrangements with Belgium to come into force; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI am glad to be able to tell the House that the Social Security Agreement with Belgium, which was signed last year, has now been ratified and will come into force on 1st June. The Agreement will cover the benefits provided by the schemes of National Insurance, Industrial Injuries Insurance, and family allowances in this country and the corresponding benefits in Belgium. In addition, medical benefits under the Belgian Health Insurance scheme will be available to citizens of the United Kingdom who are employed in Belgium and to certain other persons who are normally resident there.
§ Mr. ElliottWhile thanking my right hon. Friend for that most satisfactory reply, may I inquire how many countries are linked to us by these reciprocal agreements and what the possibilities are for further agreements?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThere are some 17 of these agreements now in operation, though I should say that their scope and cover varies widely. There are a number of others at present under negotiation.