Norman, We thank you for your constructive advice. We were possibly naive, but certainly mis-advised and have never been nor would want to be 'health tourists'. We find ourselves in a position where a life long dream is to end in shreds. So we appreciate the help and support you have not given. Heaven help anyone else who finds themselves in the same position and puts a post on this site asking for help that you read. I only hope that you do not find yourself in any position where your life in France is threatened by the bureaucracy of the country. Although we will probably have to return to the UK because we have NO intention of trying to fiddle the system, we wish you a happy and prosperous life in France and are sure that you will have countless expats to fall back on if you ever need support in the future, NOT.