§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the present position of negotiations with the Governments of Portugal and Greece on 643W the question of reciprocal agreements on social security benefits; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. OrmeDiscussions with Portugal at official level have been in progress since May of last year, and a large measure of agreement has already been reached. It is hoped that outstanding points will shortly be settled.
I have no plans to open bilateral talks with Greece. Full reciprocity in social security will be achieved following the accession of Greece to the EEC.