§ Sir W. Darlingasked the Minister of National Insurance what countries have accepted reciprocal insurance arrangements with the United Kingdom; and if she is taking further steps to widen the area of such arrangements.
§ Dr. SummerskillReciprocal arrangements are in operation with Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man for National Insurance, Industrial Injuries Insurance and family allowances: with the Irish republic for sickness, maternity and unemployment benefits, and for the insurance of seamen: with New Zealand for family allowances: and with France for National Insurance and Industrial Injuries Insurance. A multilateral agreement on social security signed by the five Brussels Treaty Powers has been ratified by this country. Negotiations are taking place for further agreements with Australia, the Irish Republic, France, Belgium, The Netherlands. Luxembourg, Denmark, Italy and Switzerland. Negotiations with the Federal Republic of Germany are due to begin next month. The possibility of making bilateral and multilateral agreements on social security similar to those made by the Brussels Treaty Powers is being examined by a Committee of Experts set up by the Council of Europe.