---

Business of the House

I apologise on behalf of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State. I am sure that meetings with Members of Parliament are cancelled only in extreme circumstances. I imagine that the extreme circumstances yesterday involved the fact that the Opposition had tabled two motions for debate on aspects of health care. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman would not have been happy if my right hon. Friend had chosen to maintain her appointment with him, rather than appearing before the House to take part in the debate. Nevertheless, I am sure that she will rearrange her appointment with the hon. Gentleman. All my ministerial colleagues attach great importance to ensuring that their contacts and relations with Members of the House are of the highest quality, as I know my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State understands.