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Business of the House

Can the Leader of the House tell us why the Merchant Shipping (Pollution) Bill has taken precedence over the Childcare Bill, which was originally to be brought to the House next week? Will he ensure that the Defence Secretary makes an early statement to the House on UK troop deployments in Afghanistan, particularly given that the Dutch Government might not now send 1,200 troops there in the coming months? I recognise that the Government never comment on leaked documents, but given that it now appears that the number of so-called rendition flights through the UK may have been greater than was previously reported to the House, will the Leader of the House ensure that the Foreign Secretary makes an early statement to the House to update Members on that matter? Last week, the Leader of the House said that the number of NHS trusts with financial difficulties was small. Today, it is reported that no fewer than two thirds of hospitals are having to close wards as a result of financial problems. That is hardly a small number and, apparently, the Prime Minister’s response will be to appoint a new Minister to take charge of NHS spin. Yet again, the Government are putting spin doctors ahead of real doctors. Will the Leader of the House make Government time available for a full debate on the state of the NHS? Will he also make time for a debate on education standards, given the concerns about league tables, the number of children being taught in failing schools and the Government’s failure to tackle truancy? Will he confirm that the education reform Bill will be published before the House rises for its mid-term recess? This month, the largest rise in unemployment for 13 years was recorded. The productivity gap between the UK and the US has been widening since this Government came to power. Will the Government make time for a debate on the state of the economy? In its third report of the 2003–04 Session, the Treasury Committee said:"““We can only repeat our view that as much notice as possible for the Budget date is desirable, and we urge Government to regard the 2002 practice—of at least 2 months’ advance notice—to be at least a working target.””" Will the Leader of the House confirm that the Government will abide by that request, and give us the date of the Budget? Finally, when will the Home Secretary make a statement to the House on the Government’s final proposals on the reorganisation of police forces?