asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) whether he will take action to introduce into the United Kingdom an international credit card for payment of medical expenses when British citizens are taken ill or have an accident whilst travelling abroad;(2) what action he has taken or intends taking to assist the Council of Europe, the EEC, and their respective Committees in introducing an international medical credit card, and with what success; and whether he will make a statement.
Arrangements already exist whereby United Kingdom visitors to 13 non-EEC countries with which we have bilateral agreements on health care can obtain urgent treatment free or at reduced cost on the same trems as nationals of the other country on production of a passport, medical card or proof of residence. Bilateral discussions are taking place with a number of other non-EEC countries for agreements on these lines. Bilateral arrangements also apply in Denmark and the German Federal Republic for persons not covered by the EEC Social Security Regulations. Persons covered by these regulations can obtain similar treatment within the Community on production of an EEC certificate of entitlement obtainable before leaving this country. Discussions are currently taking place within the Community with a view to extending this procedure to all nationals of member states. The United Kingdom is also actively engaged in discussions within the Council of Europe concerned with the practical and financial implications of operating a similar, or an improved, procedure in all the 19 Council of Europe member States.