Explanatory note

This Order makes provision for the modification of the Social Security Act 1975 and the Child Benefit Act 1975 so as to give effect in England, Wales and Scotland to the agreement (set out in the Schedule) contained in Notes exchanged between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Portugal amending the Convention contained in the Social Security (Portugal) Order 1979.

The amendments relating to sickness and maternity benefit enable those benefits to be paid to persons who, whilst employed in one country, contribute to the social security scheme of the other country, and to take account of changes in the conditions for the award of maternity grant. The principal amendment relating to family allowances enables persons employed in one country to be paid benefit in respect of members of their family who are resident in the other country.