HC Deb 29 January 1973 vol 849 cc323-4W
Mr. Roper

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what arrangements are being made to publicise the health care available to some United Kingdom nationals after 1st April in other countries of the European Community.

Sir K. Joseph

An introductory leaflet "Social Security and the Economic Community" has been available since October 1972. Details were supplied to the Press at that time, and the medical treatment facilities are also referred to in the Government's publication "Europe: a Checklist" which has been widely distributed. A more detailed explanatory leaflet and the application form for the necessary certificate of entitlement will be available in local Social Security Offices in early March. There will be further publicty at that time, and I am considering what form this should take.

Mr. Roper

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services in what countries of the European Community health insurance or health service facilities will be available after 1st April 1973 to (a) Ministers of the Crown and (b) Members of Parliament.

Sir K. Joseph

European Economic Community regulations providing for the reciprocal provision among member countries of health treatment and social security benefits apply only to those insured as employed persons, and thus do not at present cover Ministers of the Crown and Members of Parliament, who are classified as self-employed persons for national insurance purposes. In the case of Denmark, however, our existing bilateral agreement will continue to give cover for urgent health treatment to United Kingdom visitors who are not covered by the EEC regulations.