§ Mr. Royleasked the Minister of Health with what countries, both inside and outside the Commonwealth, reciprocal arrangements exist for health service.
§ 2. Mr. Iain MacleodFollowing is the information:
Multilateral agreements
A reciprocal agreement is in force between the five Brussels Treaty countries for giving medical treatment to indigent persons. A Convention extending this arrangement to all members of the Council of Europe was signed in December, 1953, and is in force between those countries which have ratified it (the United Kingdom, the Irish Republic, Norway, Denmark and the Saar).Bilateral agreements
Commonwealth
Under Australian legislation free medical treatment is available to various classes of pensioners and their dependants. A reciprocal agreement with the Australian Government enables persons going from the United Kingdom to Australia to qualify for such pensions, and hence for free medical treatment, by virtue of their United Kingdom insurance.
8WNegotiations have begun with the New Zealand Government for the conclusion of a similar agreement.
Outside the Commonwealth
Agreements are in force whereby British subjects employed in France and Italy who participate in the social insurance schemes of those countries can have their United Kingdom insurance taken into account in reckoning their entitlement, and that of their dependants, to medical benefit. Similar agreements with Luxemburg and the Netherlands have been signed, and agreements with Austria, Belgium and the German Federal Republic are being negotiated.