§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if any discussions have taken place with Canada on a reciprocal scheme for health care; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergInvestigatory talks took place with the Canadian authorities in 1977. It became clear that a reciprocal agreement was unlikely to be concluded because of the legislative difficulties which it would present to the Federal Government and because of problems which had arisen in connection with reciprocity of social security benefits, particularly pensions. We see no scope for re-opening the question at this time.
§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to promote reciprocal health care schemes with Commonwealth countries.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergWe will continue to consider making reciprocal health care agreements when it is practicable to do so. Reciprocal health care agreements already exist with Malta and New Zealand but negotiations are not presently taking place with any other Commonwealth countries.