HL Deb 07 July 1977 vol 385 cc527-8WA
Lord O'HAGAN

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What discussions they have held with EEC Social Security Ministers about the extension of reciprocal medical agreements to self-employed persons; and whether they will make a Statement.

Lord WELLS-PESTELL

At a meeting of the Council of Ministers (Social Affairs) in June 1974 the Government pressed for early action on an extension of the EEC social security regulations to cover, in particular, medical treatment for the self-employed. The Commission undertook to submit proposals and these have since been examined by the Administrative Commission on Social Security for Migrant Workers and by the Advisory Committee on Social Security for Migrant Workers. In a Statement on future work, made at the Council of Ministers (Social Affairs) on 28th June 1977 the Commission confirmed that a proposal to cover the self-employed would be included and it is expected that this will be put to the Council in the near future.