§ Andrew MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will make a statement on progress towards the recognition of qualifications and accreditation of dentists trained and qualified in Poland with a view to their being allowed to practise in the United Kingdom on Poland's accession to the European Union; [89859]
(2)if he will make a statement on progress towards the recognition of qualifications and accreditation of (a)surgeons, (b) doctors and (c) nurses trained and qualified in Poland with a view to their possible recruitment to the NHS on Poland's accession to the European Union. [89860]
§ Mr. HuttonOnce ratified, the Accession Treaty, which is currently being finalised following the agreement in Copenhagen, will provide for the recognition of Polish health professional qualifications on the same basis as for those awarded by other member states. Qualifications awarded following training begun after accession will comply with minimum Community requirements and be automatically recognised. In other cases, evidence of recent and substantial experience in Poland may be required. Arrangements for the recruitment of health professionals to the national health service are currently the subject of separate discussions between the Department and the Polish authorities.