§ Mrs. ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the effects of the European Specialist Medical Qualifications Order 1995 when implemented on the private cosmetic surgery industry; and if he will make a statement. [11593]
§ Mr. MaloneNone. The European Specialist Medical Qualifications Order implements the United Kingdom's obligations under European Council directive 93/16/EEC. This sets minimum standards for specialist medical training and facilitates the free movement of doctors throughout the European community through the mutual recognition of their diplomas, certificates and other evidence of formal qualifications. It was implemented following a full consultation exercise and extensive discussions with representatives of the medical profession and the General Medical Council.