§ Mr. Andersonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether discussions are continuing between his Department and the Canadian Department of Health and Welfare about a bilateral social security convention regarding an uprating of United Kingdom pensions payable in Canada to pensioners; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LyellI refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Liverpool, West Derby (Mr. Wareing) on 22 October at columns906–7.
There is regular informal contact between officials of the Department and the Canadian Department of Health and Welfare regarding social security matters, including discussion and exchange of information in connection with a new convention, but there are no formal discussions taking place at present about the detailed technical matters involved. Until such time as the necessary finance can be made available; it will not be possible to make significant progress towards a new social security convention with Canada.