§ Lord Stallardasked Her Majesty's Government:
What steps they have taken since 1979 to negotiate reciprocal social security agreements with the governments of Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, and in particular to provide for annual uprating of retirement pensions for British citizens now resident in those countries.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Social Security (Lord Henley)A revised reciprocal agreement with New Zealand came into effect in January 1984, replacing the previous 1969 agreement. Negotiations for a revised agreement with Australia to replace the existing one dating from 1958 should be completed this year. The current agreement with Canada dates from 1960, and we hope to begin negotiations on a revised agreement in the near future. Because of the high costs involved, none of the present or proposed agreements provides for annual uprating of pensions. The Government have taken no steps to enter into negotiations on a reciprocal social security agreement with South Africa.