§ Lord Brougham and Vauxasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will provide further details on pensions in Gibraltar.
§ Lord CheshamThe British and Gibraltar Governments have reached an agreement under which Gibraltarian and other eligible pensioners, irrespective of nationality or residence, will receive fixed payments representing their full entitlement under the Gibraltar Social Insurance Fund, which was wound up at the end of December 1993. To help meet this commitment, the British Government will provide assistance to the Government of Gibraltar at about £9 million for the first year, reducing progressively thereafter. A new pensions scheme, backdated to 1st January 1994, will be set up in Gibraltar on the basis of non-discrimination and full compliance with EC regulations. Funds for 1996–97 will be sought through a supplementary Estimate. Funds will be additional to the planned Overseas Aid Budget announced on 28 November 1995. A minute has been placed in the Library of the House.