§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for the Social Services what progress has been made in the discussions with the Spanish Government on reciprocal benefits arrangements; whether her Department is holding similar discussions with other countries; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. O'MalleyAt a recent meeting of officials in Madrid provisional agreement was reached on the terms of a bilateral social security convention. These will now be considered by Ministers of both Governments. Discussions are in progress with Austria, Canada, the Channel Islands, Cyprus, Norway and Sweden with a view to revising or extending existing agreements.