§ Lord BROCKWAYasked Her Majesty's Government:
What conclusions were reached at the meeting in Geneva of representatives of 31 Governments under the aegis of the International Labour Organisation on the subject of reciprocal medical care in Europe; and what was the British attitude to the proposals.
§ Lord CULLEN of ASHBOURNEThe meeting of representatives of the 31 Governments was the last in a series over the past five years to conclude a European agreement on reciprocal arrangements for medical care for persons during temporary residence in another country. The United Kingdom has been represented throughout and, in common with the other member states present at the meeting, agreed to the adoption of the text of an agreement which is now open for signature. After ratification of the agreement introduction of a reciprocal arrangement between any two countries will be dependent upon their agreeing bilaterally on administrative arrangements.
The United Kingdom already has reciprocal arrangements with all but six of the 31 countries concerned, either through European Community regulations or through specific reciprocal agreements. Of the remaining six countries, two may shortly be covered by their entry to the European Community and negotiations have already started with a third towards a reciprocal agreement.
The United Kingdom is examining the final text of the agreement in the hope that we may be able to sign.