HC Deb 04 March 1968 vol 760 cc21-2
33. Earl of Dalkeith

asked the Minister of Social Security what changes would be necessary in Great Britain's system of social security if Great Britain joined the European Economic Community.

Mr. Loughlin

The only immediate change which seems likely at present would be to substitute the regulations of the Community on social security for migrant workers for the six bilateral agreements on social security which we have negotiated with the six members of the Community.

Earl of Dalkeith

Can the Parliamentary Secretary say whether his Department in the course of conducting its special review of pension affairs generally has taken into account the full implications of joining Europe?

Mr. Loughlin

We take into account the full implications of joining Europe, but I should like to disabuse the mind of the hon. Member about what the full implications are. I know that it is common opinion that there is harmonisation, but in practice there is no harmonisation, even between the States as they exist.

Mr. Worsley

No doubt the hon. Gentleman will be aware that it is stated in the Treaty of Rome that there should be progress towards harmonisation. Could he say whether during the review which is taking place any consideration is being given to the necessity over a long period for harmonisation?

Mr. Loughlin

No. If we join the Common Market we accept the implications of the Treaty of Rome. I remind the hon. Gentleman of what I have just said. Although the Treaty envisages har monisation between the countries in the Common Market, there is no harmonisation yet. The hon. Member can rest assured that when we have to consider this matter in 1975 we will look at it properly.

45. Mr. Hornby

asked the Minister of Social Security whether she will publish a leaflet comparing the social security arrangements in the European Economic Community countries with the arrangements in Great Britain.

Mr. Loughlin

I would refer the hon. Member to the comparative tables on social security which the Minister of Social Security placed in the Library of the House last year. It is not possible to summarise those tables in a leaflet which would enable fair comparisons to be made between our social security and the social security of the Member States of the European Economic Community.

Mr. Hornby

Does not the hon. Gentleman agree that there are many spheres in which this country, having led for many years, has been slipping behind in social security provision, making it important that comparisons of this sort are, as far as possible, made?

Mr. Loughlin

We must take some care in the making of comparisons. What the hon. Gentleman wants me to do is to issue comparative tables in a leaflet. Although I should like to do that, I assure him that it is impossible for it to be done.