asked the Minister of Overseas Development what progress has been made with the takeover of overseas pensions in accordance with the Overseas Pensions Act 1973; and if she will make a statement.

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Stroud (Mr. Kershaw) on 3rd March—[Vol. 887, c. 307.]—Negotiations with the remaining 32 overseas Governments are at different stages and we expect, with the co-operation of the overseas administrations, to make a good deal of further progress this year and to complete the task of taking over these pensions during 1976. I am anxious that this be done as quickly as possible, and we are continuing to explore with the overseas Governments ways in which it may be expedited.