HC Deb 25 October 1979 vol 972 cc298-9W
Mr. Shersby

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what discussions have taken place with the Spanish Government with a view to providing reciprocal medical and dental care for United Kingdom subjects visiting Spain and for Spanish subjects visiting Great Britain; and if he will make a statement.

Dr. Vaughan

The United Kingdom proposed a reciprocal agreement on health care for visitors during discussions in 1973 and 1974 resulting in a convention on social security. This was rejected by the Spanish authorities because of the cost to their local health services of treating the large number of British tourists. Cover for most of the United Kingdom visitors should, however, be applicable following Spain's accession to the European Community.