The constant stream of questions on medical and paramedical affairs in the European Parliament and the opinions from the Economic and Social Committee showed the need for an efficient medical organisation at European level. Opening the plenary assembly of the Standing Committee of Doctors of the EEC, the president, Dr P A Farrelly, thought that the committee now had the same relationship with the European Commission as had the national organisations with their governments. Regular contacts with

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... the relevant Commission officials were maintained and Dr Farrelly hoped for a meeting with the new Commission early in 1981. The major points to be discussed would be health care costs, health education, primary medical care, the general practice draft directive, transnational specialist training, the proposal for a European health programme, and future areas of co-operation between the Standing Committee and the Commission. The president had attended the Conference of European Health Professions, which included representatives of veterinary surgeons, nurses, and physiotherapists as well as doctors. It was an informal organisation