§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has any 177W plans to negotiate reciprocal agreement on social security with Canada, in view of the recent presentation of a Bill for this purpose in the Canadian Parliament.
§ Mr. OrmeThe proposals in the Bill to which the hon. Member refers are for a number of changes, of which one has been said to enhance Canada's ability to enter social security agreements. They are being studied and consideration will be given as to how far the existing agreement could be modified when the Canadian law is changed. I must point out, however, that any modifications which would lead to an increase in United Kingdom benefit costs would have to be considered in the light of constraints on public expenditure.