§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he intends taking to ensure that reciprocal arrangements are made for British employees who work overseas and are covered at home for national insurance contributions; if he will carry out an investigation into the need for such provisions; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. OrmeWe already have bilateral reciprocal agreements on social security with 30 countries, and discussions with a number of others are taking place. The coverage of these agreements varies but their general aims are to assist persons moving between the two countries by ensuring that their nationals are treated alike, that benefits and benefit rights can be transferred, and that there is no duplicate payment of contributions. As far as constraints of public expenditure allow, I intend to continue this process as the need arises.