GPs will have language tests, says Andrew Lansley

The Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley, has said there is a way round European legislation preventing Britain from checking the language and medical abilities of foreign doctors.

A House of Lords committee has said patients are being put at "unacceptable risk" by a European directive which allows the free movement of medical staff and other health care workers.

Mr Lansley said the checks and tests could be made by the NHS trusts themselves through employment purposes.