§ Mrs. LaitTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what recent discussions he(a) has had and (b) plans to have with the Australian Government about frozen state pensions of British people living in Australia; and if he will make a statement. [115101]
§ Mr. RookerThe Australian Government's proposal for a limited unfreezing of pensions for some UK pensioners living in Australia were discussed at a meeting with the then Minister of State in July 1999. This proposal was rejected.
Formal notification of Australia's intention to terminate its social security agreement with the UK was received on 1 March. The agreement will end 12 months from this date. This action will have no effect on the great majority of UK pensioners living in Australia, nor will it affect those in receipt of an Australian age pension at the time the termination becomes affective.
It is unfortunate that the Australian Government has decided to end this long-standing agreement. We have no plans to unfreeze pensions in Australia or elsewhere.