To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations he has received from the Royal College of Surgeons on the European Working Time Directive. (303054)

We are in monthly contact with the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS), the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges meetings, the National European Working Time Directive Reference Group and the Medical Education England Programme Board of which RCS is a member. There are also other meetings. The RCS recently published their college policy document.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what account he took of representations from the Royal College of Surgeons on the European Working Time Directive before the implementation of that Directive; and if he will make a statement. (303055)

Before 1 August 2009 we had been in regular contact with Royal College of Surgeons (RCS), the Academy of Royal Colleges and the National European Working Time Directive (EWTD) Reference Group of which RCS is a member. There have also been meetings between RCS and the Departments National Clinical Advisor for EWTD and other officials.