Brussels, 22/11/2006 (Agence Europe) - In the opinion on social services of general interest, which it prepared for the social affairs committee, the environment and public health committee chaired by German Christian Democrat Karl-Heinz Florenz welcomed the fact that the communication on social services of general interest aimed to promote within the Community the “modernisation of social services necessary for providing high quality services, safety and efficiency, in respect for consumer and user rights, the dignity of patients and the freedom to provide services beyond borders”. The text for the recommendation, elaborated by Italian United Left MEP Roberto Musacchio (PRC-SE), was significantly modified following several amendments introduced by British Conservative Philip Bushill-Mathews, who, as well as recognising cross-border provisions, also acknowledged the importance of public-private partnerships and sub-contractors (31 for, 18 against) as well as the “role the private sector should play” in this field (28 for, 20 against). The committee refused to support the line of French Socialist Anne Ferreira, who regretted that health services were not covered by the communication. However, as the rapporteur pointed out, she appealed for respecting the principle of universal and equal access, of balanced territorial distribution, solidarity and social inclusion. The environment committee also wanted particular attention to be paid to dependent persons and that dependency be seen in a similar vein as a disability or age. (oj)