HL Deb 28 October 2002 vol 640 cc14-5WA
Baroness Finlay of Llandaff

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How information about an individual healthcare professional's fitness to practise will be exchanged between states of the European Union; and how such information would be immediately available across member states when individuals will be able to practise for 16 weeks per year under European Union Directive COM (2002) 119 in each member state without being registered in that host state. [HL6047]

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath:

Member states are entitled to apply the same requirements as to conduct and ethics to health professionals who are nationals of other member states as to their own nationals. They are also required to exchange information about disciplinary and criminal convictions affecting migrant practitioners. No decisions have been taken on the directive. It is a draft measure about which there are specific concerns. It has been the subject of consultation and continuing negotiations.

Baroness Finlay of Llandaff

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What mechanisms will be in place to audit medical training and competence at undergraduate and postgraduate levels across the European Union. [HL6048]

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath:

Each member state is responsible for the provision and audit of standards of education and training in its territory. The European Commission is responsible for ensuring that member states comply with the minimum requirements of education and training as set out in the Doctors Directive 93/16/EEC.