WRITTEN QUESTION E-2866/99 by Guido Podestà (PPE-DE) to the Commission. The elderly in the United Kingdom.
Date: 2000-01-18
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: England, competence of the Member States, death, dependence of elderly persons, elderly person, health care system, medical institution

C 225 E/214

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

8.8.2000

(2000/C 225 E/244)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2866/99

by Guido Podest(cid:224) (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(18 January 2000)

Subject: The elderly in the United Kingdom

While respecting the principle of subsidiarity in operation in the health sector, the Community institutions
have a duty to see to it that Member States ensure a high level of quality in the services supplied to their
citizens.

From this perspective, I would like to draw the Commission(cid:146)s attention to the accusations, reported in all
the Member States(cid:146) main daily papers, made by a well-known London doctor, who states that in some
British hospitals downright (cid:145)involuntary euthanasia(cid:146) is being practised.

From the serious allegations made it would appear that the situation is of the utmost gravity, with elderly
people being left to die, deprived of the slightest assistance and even of food, to allow beds to be freed.

In the light of this:

(cid:129) does the Commission not think that the practices revealed constitute a brutal breach of human rights

and that because of this they fall within the Commission(cid:146)s sphere of authority?

(cid:129) What action does it therefore consider advisable in this particular case?

(cid:129) Does it not consider it essential to set in motion a thorough investigation in all Member States which
would finally throw light upon the actual circumstances in which elderly people who are no longer
independent live in European Union countries?

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(22 February 2000)

It is for each Member State to organise their health systems as they wish, and to determine the conditions
for entitlement to benefits under those systems. Therefore, although the Commission is not aware of the
details of the press coverage cited, there does not seem to be an obligation arising from Community law
that would be involved. Therefore it would be more appropriate to contact the United Kingdom authorities
directly with any further questions on this subject.

(2000/C 225 E/245)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0006/00

by Gerhard Schmid (PSE) to the Commission

(19 January 2000)

Subject: Recognition of Commission President Romano Prodi

Is it true that when Romano Prodi, President of the Commission, arrived at the royal wedding on
4 December 1999, the Belgian television French language service (RTBF) introduced him as the Prime
Minister of Portugal?

If so, what steps will the Commission take to ensure that Belgian television recognises the Commission
President in future?

Answer given by Mr Prodi on behalf of the Commission

(11 February 2000)

It is true that when Mr Prodi, President of the Commission, arrived at the Cathedral for the royal marriage
on 4 December 1999, the commentator for the Belgian television channel RTBF referred to him as the
President (not the Prime Minister) of Portugal.