§ 37. Mr. Prenticeasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance why the Government prefer to rely on bilateral agreements with other countries rather than ratify Convention No. 118 of the International Labour Organisation which provides for equal treatment as between nationals and non-nationals in social security matters.
§ The Minister of Pensions and National Insurance (Mr. Niall Macpherson)Because, as indicated in Command Paper Number 1993 it is only by bilateral agreements that the varying provisions of different countries can be dovetailed in a foreseeable way. I should add that Convention 118 does not deal only with equality of treatment as between nationals and non-nationals, but also contains complicated provisions concerning, among other matters, residence conditions, the payment of family allowances and other benefits abroad, and the preservation of rights acquired in different countries.
§ Mr. PrenticeWhile appreciating the reasoning behind that reply, may I ask whether the Minister is satisfied that bilateral arrangements are comprehensive enough to cover British nationals abroad as we would wish? May I ask about the position of a British coach driver who takes a party of holidaymakers on a tour of several countries? Is it not the case that although he is insured under our scheme he is not covered under our scheme for an accident abroad unless we have bilateral arrangements with those countries, and that it depends on whether we have bilateral arrangements? Would the right hon. Gentleman look into that position to see whether he is giving as comprehensive cover as he should in those circumstances?
§ Mr. MacphersonI shall certainly look into that particular problem, but I am not at all certain in any case that it would be covered by our adherence to this particular Convention.