To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effect on UK citizens living in France of the French Government’s decision to alter the healthcare arrangements for non-French nationals below the official relevant age; and if he will make a statement. (167038)

[holding answer 22 November 2007]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Minister of State, Department of Health my right hon. Friend the Member for Bristol, South (Dawn Primarolo) to the hon. Member for South-West Devon (Mr. Streeter) on 12 November 2007, Official Report, column 59W.

I raised this issue with the French Minister for Europe, Jean-Pierre Jouyet, during my visit to Paris on 15 November. Monsieur Jouyet acknowledged the serious concern about the effect of this decision and agreed to ask his colleagues to look again at the matter.

Our embassy in Paris will also continue to follow the issue closely. It has posted information on its website for those who could be affected.