HC Deb 07 February 1977 vol 925 c566W
Mrs. Chalker

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what plans he has to reach reciprocal agreements on social security benefits with Greece, Hungary, Iceland, the German Democratic Republic and Albania; and if he will list the position reached for each country.

Mr. Orme

We have no plans to make reciprocal social security agreements with any of the countries mentioned, but discussions are in progress on reciprocal health care agreements with the German Democratic Republic and Hungary. Should Greece become a full member of the European Economic Community the reciprocal arrangements provided for under the European Economic Community Social Security Regulations would apply.

Mrs. Chalker

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what progress he has made to extend the temporary agreement on social security reciprocity with Czechoslovakia; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Orme

We have no reciprocal agreement with Czechoslovakia covering social security cash benefits. In April 1976 a reciprocal agreement on health co-operation came into force which enables British visitors to Czechoslovakia to obtain urgently required medical care, and British and Czechoslovak medical experts to exchange knowledge and experience in fields of mutual interest.