To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent assessment he has made of the effect of implementation of the European Working Time Directive on the working practices of NHS staff. (265731)

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the effect of implementation of the European Working Time Directive on working practices in hospitals in England; and if he will make a statement. (265707)

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent estimate he has made of the number of NHS staff in each professional role whose working practices will be affected by the implementation of the revised European Working Time Directive. (265298)

Many parts of the national health service have made excellent progress implementing this important legislation, which ensures that patients receive safe, high quality care from staff who have not been forced to work excessive hours. The United Kingdom Government notified the European Commission in January of their assessment of progress in achieving compliance with the European Working Time Directive by doctors in training. A copy of the UK Notification of Derogation for Doctors in Training has been placed in the Library. The Department is working closely with the Medical Royal Colleges, the British Medical Association and the strategic health authorities to ensure trusts are prepared for full implementation.