§ Dr. Glynasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what progress has been made with the Canadian Government in the implementation of a reciprocal agreement regarding British pensioners in Canada; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WhitneyThe Canadian Department of Health and Welfare has prepared a draft of a reciprocal agreement on social security providing, among other things, for pension increases for United Kingdom pensioners in Canada. The draft is now the subject of consideration by officials of this Department and their Canadian counterparts.
Implementation of any agreement will depend on the necessary finance becoming available. The cost of paying pension increases due after the agreement comes into effect is estimated at £2.5 million in the first year alone, rising progressively to about £35 million.