§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what subjects were discussed at the meeting of social security Ministers in Madrid; what was the outcome of the discussions; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RossiThe subject of the conference was "The General Application of Social Security", that is the extension of social security to cover the whole population. In presenting a report on "The Establishment of Universal Schemes" I stressed that if the economic growth to support higher or more general benefits does not exist, there can be no extension of a scheme or increase in the value of benefits in real terms. There was general recognition by Ministers at the conference of the need for restraint in social security spending in the current economic circumstances affecting them all. Some countries quoted examples of reductions in benefits which they were implementing or considering.
161WThe outcome of the discussions is embodied in the final text adopted at the conclusion of the Conference. As soon as the authentic version of this is available I will place it in the Library of the House and send a copy to the right hon. Gentleman.