Written question asked by Andrew Mackinlay (Labour) on Tuesday, 2 November 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 November 1999. It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Monday, 8 November 1999 on behalf of the Department of Social Security.

Dept of Social Security

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, what notice Australia gave of its decision to terminate the social security agreement between Australia and the UK; and what the ramifications will be for British pensioners covered by the existing agreement.

Answer: Mr. Mackinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what notice Australia gave of its decision to terminate the social security agreement between Australia and the UK; and what the ramifications will be for British pensioners covered by the existing agreement. [97399] Mr. Rooker: The Australian Government announced in July that they intended to terminate the Social Security agreement with the UK. We have not received formal notice of termination. The agreement would terminate 12 months after the UK received formal notification. The agreement helps UK pensioners who have lived in Australia for less than 10 years to meet the residence test for Australia's Age Pension. It can also help former residents of Australia now living in the UK to qualify for UK State Pension. People who had already become entitled to benefit through the agreement when it terminated would remain covered by its terms, so there would be no effect on them.

Secondary information