§ Mr. RosindellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the effects of Commission Decision 18 of 27 June 2001, 2002/155/EC, 0.1 L54 of 25 February 2002, on current practice. [57897]
§ Mr. HuttonDecision 183 of the Administrative Commission on social security for migrant workers concerned the interpretation of the provisions of Regulation (EEC) 1408–71 relating to maternity care. Its effect is that health care services required in connection with pregnancy or childbirth shall be regarded as an immediately necessary benefit, provided on the basis of EU Form E111, during a temporary stay in another member state. This applies up to the beginning of the 38 week of pregnancy, provided that the reasons for the442W temporary stay are other than medical. From the 38 week, EU Form El 12 concerning travel specifically for medical care, will be required.
Current practice in the UK is to issue Form E112 for pregnant women wishing to receive ante-natal care or give birth in another member state. Guidance to this effect is contained in the Department's leaflet "Health Advice for Travellers" (available in the Library). We expect to issue a suitably revised version of the leaflet in the late summer.
In respect of women from other member states presenting in the UK, current UK practice is already broadly in line with Decision 183 but guidance to the NHS will be amended as necessary.