To ask the Secretary of State for Health what meetings (a) he and (b) other Ministers in his Department have held with the Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection since 21 September; whether they have discussed the European Commission's proposals for a directive on cross-border health care; and if he will make a statement. (166579)

There have been ongoing discussions for several years within the European Union (EU) about the provision of cross-border health care in the light of existing case law on patient mobility. The Secretary of State will next meet the European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection on 20 November to discuss, among other issues, the forthcoming proposal regarding a general framework for the provision of cross-border health care within the EU. In future discussions on the proposal, the Department will work to protect the United Kingdom's interests, emphasising the need for any European legislation in this area to be proportionate.