Sitting suspended.

Sitting suspended.

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the Sutton and Merton Clinical Commissioning Groups as to the viability of the continuing provision of palliative care by St Raphael’s Hospice to the population of both those London Boroughs in the event of the sale of St Anthony’s...

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions they have had with the Sutton and Merton Clinical Commissioning Groups as to the viability of the continuing provision of palliative care by St Raphael’s Hospice to the population of both those London Boroughs in the event of the sale of St Anthony’s...

I am grateful for this opportunity to address the House and to explain to it and to the Minister the disaster that is playing out in slow motion in the NHS in south-west London. I am talking, of course, about a programme named the “Better Services, Better Value” programme, which...

I am grateful for this opportunity to address the House and to explain to it and to the Minister the disaster that is playing out in slow motion in the NHS in south-west London. I am talking, of course, about a programme named the “Better Services, Better Value” programme, which...

I pay tribute to my right hon. Friend the Member for Sutton and Cheam (Paul Burstow) for his long service and the great work he did as a Department of Health Minister and for securing this debate. He has made a number of very good and important points—although I do...

I pay tribute to my right hon. Friend the Member for Sutton and Cheam (Paul Burstow) for his long service and the great work he did as a Department of Health Minister and for securing this debate. He has made a number of very good and important points—although I do...

The Minister is responding fully to the points I have made so far, but let me demonstrate the distinction between my point and that made by the hon. Member for Mitcham and Morden (Siobhain McDonagh). She has conflated the BSBV programme, which is a reconfiguration, with the Nicholson challenge. The...

The Minister is responding fully to the points I have made so far, but let me demonstrate the distinction between my point and that made by the hon. Member for Mitcham and Morden (Siobhain McDonagh). She has conflated the BSBV programme, which is a reconfiguration, with the Nicholson challenge. The...

I am grateful to my right hon. Friend because I was going to agree with him that the hon. Lady’s analysis was not correct. The point that I am trying to make is that she seeks to defend her hospital, as my right hon. Friend does. She does not want...

I am grateful to my right hon. Friend because I was going to agree with him that the hon. Lady’s analysis was not correct. The point that I am trying to make is that she seeks to defend her hospital, as my right hon. Friend does. She does not want...

That is a peculiar, old-fashioned procedure, but none the less valuable and enjoyable, Mr Deputy Speaker.

My hon. Friend the Member for Croydon Central argued in the same debate in favour of the BSBV review on the basis that, according to one of the many reports that form part of the...

That is a peculiar, old-fashioned procedure, but none the less valuable and enjoyable, Mr Deputy Speaker.

My hon. Friend the Member for Croydon Central argued in the same debate in favour of the BSBV review on the basis that, according to one of the many reports that form part of the...

The hon. Member for Croydon Central (Gavin Barwell) made some important points in that debate, but he did not go on to make the key point that when we look at the figures for BSBV, we see that the cost of delivering the improvement that he and I both want...

The hon. Member for Croydon Central (Gavin Barwell) made some important points in that debate, but he did not go on to make the key point that when we look at the figures for BSBV, we see that the cost of delivering the improvement that he and I both want...

All I can say is, a good point well made, and move on towards my concluding remarks.

My right hon. Friend has asked me a number of questions. If I do not reply in full, I assure him that I will in a letter. I am told that a “do minimum”...

All I can say is, a good point well made, and move on towards my concluding remarks.

My right hon. Friend has asked me a number of questions. If I do not reply in full, I assure him that I will in a letter. I am told that a “do minimum”...

That is very helpful. Given that CCGs will be in the driving seat from 1 April, does that mean they can hit the ejector button and get BSBV out?

That is very helpful. Given that CCGs will be in the driving seat from 1 April, does that mean they can hit the ejector button and get BSBV out?

I do not know the answer to that, and of course I would not put it in those terms, but I shall make further inquiries and certainly write to my right hon. Friend so that he has a proper and full answer to that very important question, which I have...

I do not know the answer to that, and of course I would not put it in those terms, but I shall make further inquiries and certainly write to my right hon. Friend so that he has a proper and full answer to that very important question, which I have...

Agreed on question.

Agreed on question.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what criteria were used to determine the level of public health transition funding for the London boroughs of Merton and Sutton; and if he will make a statement.

[134049]

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what criteria were used to determine the level of public health transition funding for the London boroughs of Merton and Sutton; and if he will make a statement.

[134049]

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what dedicated withdrawal services are provided for involuntary tranquilliser addiction in (a) South Cambridgeshire, (b) Sutton and Cheam and (c) Chelmsford and Guildford constituency; and how many patients were successfully treated in each of those constituencies in each of the last three...

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what dedicated withdrawal services are provided for involuntary tranquilliser addiction in (a) South Cambridgeshire, (b) Sutton and Cheam and (c) Chelmsford and Guildford constituency; and how many patients were successfully treated in each of those constituencies in each of the last three...

The village of Sutton Weaver is divided by two separate postcodes, which has caused numerous problems to my constituents. Despite a very strong campaign by Sutton parish council, Royal Mail has refused to unify the village under a single postcode. May we have a debate on applications for postcode changes...

The village of Sutton Weaver is divided by two separate postcodes, which has caused numerous problems to my constituents. Despite a very strong campaign by Sutton parish council, Royal Mail has refused to unify the village under a single postcode. May we have a debate on applications for postcode changes...

I understand my hon. Friend's concern. I shall pass his comments on to my right hon. Friend the Business Secretary. My hon. Friend will be familiar with the code of practice that governs changes to Royal Mail's postcode address file, known as PAF. Royal Mail will consider making changes only...

I understand my hon. Friend's concern. I shall pass his comments on to my right hon. Friend the Business Secretary. My hon. Friend will be familiar with the code of practice that governs changes to Royal Mail's postcode address file, known as PAF. Royal Mail will consider making changes only...

Public petition of residents living in Belmont, Cheam, Sutton, Stoneleigh and Worcester Park in the London Borough of Sutton, and others, Declares that the quality of life of residents is harmed by the designation of garden land as brownfield land, because it allows inappropriate development to take place. Suburban back...

Public petition of residents living in Belmont, Cheam, Sutton, Stoneleigh and Worcester Park in the London Borough of Sutton, and others, Declares that the quality of life of residents is harmed by the designation of garden land as brownfield land, because it allows inappropriate development to take place. Suburban back...

The Minister has now confirmed that if the local authority fails to satisfy parents, the matter will be referred to the schools adjudicator, but it was the schools adjudicator who found that schools should be allowed to take an increasing number of pupils from out of borough. It is unclear...

The Minister has now confirmed that if the local authority fails to satisfy parents, the matter will be referred to the schools adjudicator, but it was the schools adjudicator who found that schools should be allowed to take an increasing number of pupils from out of borough. It is unclear...

Let me surmise here, because I do not want to prejudge the passing of legislation in this House and the other place or what Sutton constituents might say regarding the survey. Let us examine the scenario in which there is material parental dissatisfaction. The local authority would have to publish...

Let me surmise here, because I do not want to prejudge the passing of legislation in this House and the other place or what Sutton constituents might say regarding the survey. Let us examine the scenario in which there is material parental dissatisfaction. The local authority would have to publish...

I thank the Minister for giving away again; he is very generous. He must acknowledge that the survey may well identify the fact that parents are dissatisfied because their child cannot get into the school of their choice, but the local authority can do precisely nothing about it because of...

I thank the Minister for giving away again; he is very generous. He must acknowledge that the survey may well identify the fact that parents are dissatisfied because their child cannot get into the school of their choice, but the local authority can do precisely nothing about it because of...

The difficulty is that the schools adjudicator is an independent arbiter of the situation. They will consider the situation in an open, transparent and independent way and come to a decision. It is not for me as a Minister or the hon. Gentleman as a Member of Parliament to say,...

The difficulty is that the schools adjudicator is an independent arbiter of the situation. They will consider the situation in an open, transparent and independent way and come to a decision. It is not for me as a Minister or the hon. Gentleman as a Member of Parliament to say,...

I acknowledge what the hon. Gentleman says. I was not aware of the problems at Stanley Park. I pledge to take the matter away and to write to him as soon as possible. He will be aware that local authorities and primary care trusts are autonomous. However, by working in...

I acknowledge what the hon. Gentleman says. I was not aware of the problems at Stanley Park. I pledge to take the matter away and to write to him as soon as possible. He will be aware that local authorities and primary care trusts are autonomous. However, by working in...

Like many hon. Members, I came into politics because I believe in equality of opportunity. Along with other matters with which the state should help, the provision of excellent high-quality education for all regardless of ability to pay is a core belief that should be at the very heart of...

Like many hon. Members, I came into politics because I believe in equality of opportunity. Along with other matters with which the state should help, the provision of excellent high-quality education for all regardless of ability to pay is a core belief that should be at the very heart of...

I have a regular ongoing dialogue with my local authority. As the Minister is well aware, there are many issues over which the local authority has no control, including those arising from the Greenwich judgment and from the admissions policies operated by some schools in our borough. He has talked...

I have a regular ongoing dialogue with my local authority. As the Minister is well aware, there are many issues over which the local authority has no control, including those arising from the Greenwich judgment and from the admissions policies operated by some schools in our borough. He has talked...

I strongly endorse that last request to the Minister. Indeed, I echo much of what was said by my hon. Friend the Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Tom Brake), and I congratulate him on securing this debate. I first referred to the question of school admissions policy in my maiden...

I strongly endorse that last request to the Minister. Indeed, I echo much of what was said by my hon. Friend the Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Tom Brake), and I congratulate him on securing this debate. I first referred to the question of school admissions policy in my maiden...

Miss Begg, may I tell you that my hon. Friend the Member for Sutton and Cheam (Mr. Burstow) would also like to make a brief contribution to the debate, as the matter affects both our constituencies? The Minister's office will, if it has done its homework, have spotted from past...

Miss Begg, may I tell you that my hon. Friend the Member for Sutton and Cheam (Mr. Burstow) would also like to make a brief contribution to the debate, as the matter affects both our constituencies? The Minister's office will, if it has done its homework, have spotted from past...

I agree—praise where praise is due—that there has been a substantial and welcome increase in investment, which is why I am absolutely desperate that the investment that the Government, to our satisfaction, have already agreed to provide in relation to the new Stanley Park high school is allowed to proceed,...

I agree—praise where praise is due—that there has been a substantial and welcome increase in investment, which is why I am absolutely desperate that the investment that the Government, to our satisfaction, have already agreed to provide in relation to the new Stanley Park high school is allowed to proceed,...

It is good to serve under your chairmanship again, Miss Begg. May I congratulate the hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Tom Brake) on securing this debate? He said that he has mentioned the subject in the House a number of times. He is right that it is an important...

It is good to serve under your chairmanship again, Miss Begg. May I congratulate the hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Tom Brake) on securing this debate? He said that he has mentioned the subject in the House a number of times. He is right that it is an important...

Westminster hall adjournment debate on schools in Sutton.

Westminster hall adjournment debate on schools in Sutton.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many overpayments of tax credit to residents of Carshalton and Wallington there were in the last 12 months; and what proportion of the number of tax credits for such residents this represents.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many overpayments of tax credit to residents of Carshalton and Wallington there were in the last 12 months; and what proportion of the number of tax credits for such residents this represents.

On 2 March, the Learning and Skills Council notified my council, the London Borough of Sutton, that it would receive sixth-form funding of £19,161,103 for the coming academic year. Just yesterday, the LSC issued a revised figure of £18,226,694—a 5 per cent. reduction in the allocation for sixth-form education in...

On 2 March, the Learning and Skills Council notified my council, the London Borough of Sutton, that it would receive sixth-form funding of £19,161,103 for the coming academic year. Just yesterday, the LSC issued a revised figure of £18,226,694—a 5 per cent. reduction in the allocation for sixth-form education in...

I will draw the points made to the attention of my ministerial colleagues, but I think that they are scrutinising the issue in considerable detail, so I hope that they will already be aware of the matter. Despite there having been major investment, which has produced 600 projects that have...

I will draw the points made to the attention of my ministerial colleagues, but I think that they are scrutinising the issue in considerable detail, so I hope that they will already be aware of the matter. Despite there having been major investment, which has produced 600 projects that have...

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the indices of multiple deprivation data are for each lower layer super output area in the London borough of Sutton.

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the indices of multiple deprivation data are for each lower layer super output area in the London borough of Sutton.

Table showing Lower Super Output Areas in the London Borough of Sutton in the year 2007, broken down by IMD score and ranking for income, employment, health deprivation and disability, education, skills and training, barriers to housing and services, crime, and the living environment. 48 p.

Table showing Lower Super Output Areas in the London Borough of Sutton in the year 2007, broken down by IMD score and ranking for income, employment, health deprivation and disability, education, skills and training, barriers to housing and services, crime, and the living environment. 48 p.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform how many Business Link staff were assigned to the London Borough of Sutton in each of the last five years; how many (a) contacts and (b) cases were recorded by Business Link in the London Borough of...

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform how many Business Link staff were assigned to the London Borough of Sutton in each of the last five years; how many (a) contacts and (b) cases were recorded by Business Link in the London Borough of...

To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what information his Department will require from the London Borough of Sutton to assess its need for emergency capital and revenue funding to meet an increase in demand for primary school places from 2009-10; and if he will make...

To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what information his Department will require from the London Borough of Sutton to assess its need for emergency capital and revenue funding to meet an increase in demand for primary school places from 2009-10; and if he will make...

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which properties in the London borough of Sutton have been assessed to be at risk of flooding by the Environment Agency; which areas and streets have been identified as at risk; and if he will make a statement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which properties in the London borough of Sutton have been assessed to be at risk of flooding by the Environment Agency; which areas and streets have been identified as at risk; and if he will make a statement.

List showing properties in the London Borough of Sutton at risk of flooding. Inc a map. 131 p.

List showing properties in the London Borough of Sutton at risk of flooding. Inc a map. 131 p.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the address is of each Jobcentre which has closed in the London borough of Sutton since 2002; on what date each closed; and if he will make a statement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the address is of each Jobcentre which has closed in the London borough of Sutton since 2002; on what date each closed; and if he will make a statement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent assessment his Department has made of the (a) staffing and (b) office space capacity of the Jobcentre Plus office at Helena House, Sutton, in connection with increased demand resulting from (i) the economic downturn, (ii) changes to incapacity...

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent assessment his Department has made of the (a) staffing and (b) office space capacity of the Jobcentre Plus office at Helena House, Sutton, in connection with increased demand resulting from (i) the economic downturn, (ii) changes to incapacity...

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what criteria will be used to allocate the additional 2,000 staff at Jobcentre Plus offices proposed in the pre-Budget report; what the timetable for their recruitment is; how many staff have been recruited; how many additional staff will be allocated...

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what criteria will be used to allocate the additional 2,000 staff at Jobcentre Plus offices proposed in the pre-Budget report; what the timetable for their recruitment is; how many staff have been recruited; how many additional staff will be allocated...

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many people aged between 18 and 24 years old were claiming jobseeker's allowance in each of the last five years in Sutton and Cheam.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many people aged between 18 and 24 years old were claiming jobseeker's allowance in each of the last five years in Sutton and Cheam.

Public petition from residents of the London Borough of Sutton on planning and development in Sutton.

Public petition from residents of the London Borough of Sutton on planning and development in Sutton.

I present this petition on behalf of many thousands of my constituents and my local authority, the London borough of Sutton. The petition seeks protection for garden land from the rapacious appetite of developers. Garden land is precious. It gives character to an area, it provides opportunities for leisure, and...

I present this petition on behalf of many thousands of my constituents and my local authority, the London borough of Sutton. The petition seeks protection for garden land from the rapacious appetite of developers. Garden land is precious. It gives character to an area, it provides opportunities for leisure, and...

Adjournment debate on healthcare in Sutton.

Adjournment debate on healthcare in Sutton.

Could the Minister confirm on the record that he would expect accessibility of mental health services to be just as important as accessibility of other health services? The whole proposal, ““Better Healthcare Closer to Home””, is about making general health services more readily accessible to local people, and that must...

Could the Minister confirm on the record that he would expect accessibility of mental health services to be just as important as accessibility of other health services? The whole proposal, ““Better Healthcare Closer to Home””, is about making general health services more readily accessible to local people, and that must...

The hon. Gentleman is right that any organisation of services has to take access into account, and national guidelines will be laid down to ensure that that happens. However, the decision as to how best that is done on the ground is taken by the local health service. If there...

The hon. Gentleman is right that any organisation of services has to take access into account, and national guidelines will be laid down to ensure that that happens. However, the decision as to how best that is done on the ground is taken by the local health service. If there...

St. Helier hospital.

St. Helier hospital.

I beg the hon. Gentleman's pardon. I am sure that he will encourage his constituent to make a formal complaint, if they have not already done so. We have an independent, robust complaints system in place, and it is important that Members of Parliament encourage constituents who have such cases...

I beg the hon. Gentleman's pardon. I am sure that he will encourage his constituent to make a formal complaint, if they have not already done so. We have an independent, robust complaints system in place, and it is important that Members of Parliament encourage constituents who have such cases...

I thank the hon. Gentleman for that intervention. He encourages me to stray slightly beyond the borders of the London borough of Sutton, which I am loth to do. I am sure his constituents have noted his intervention in the debate and the significant points he has made on their...

I thank the hon. Gentleman for that intervention. He encourages me to stray slightly beyond the borders of the London borough of Sutton, which I am loth to do. I am sure his constituents have noted his intervention in the debate and the significant points he has made on their...

I congratulate the hon. Member for Sutton and Cheam (Mr. Burstow) on securing the debate. I appreciate the comments that he and the hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Tom Brake) have made. I begin by paying tribute to the NHS staff in and around Sutton for their hard work...

I congratulate the hon. Member for Sutton and Cheam (Mr. Burstow) on securing the debate. I appreciate the comments that he and the hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Tom Brake) have made. I begin by paying tribute to the NHS staff in and around Sutton for their hard work...

I take that point, Madam Deputy Speaker. In the context of the pressures, we have to take cognisance of the need for relevant services across south London. Close to the constituency of the hon. Member for Sutton and Cheam, and just over the border of Carshalton and Wallington, Purley hospital...

I take that point, Madam Deputy Speaker. In the context of the pressures, we have to take cognisance of the need for relevant services across south London. Close to the constituency of the hon. Member for Sutton and Cheam, and just over the border of Carshalton and Wallington, Purley hospital...

First, I apologise to my hon. Friend the Member for Sutton and Cheam (Mr. Burstow) for arriving two minutes into his speech. I had anticipated that we would reach this point at 10 o'clock, so I had to hot-foot it in from my constituency to be here in time for...

First, I apologise to my hon. Friend the Member for Sutton and Cheam (Mr. Burstow) for arriving two minutes into his speech. I had anticipated that we would reach this point at 10 o'clock, so I had to hot-foot it in from my constituency to be here in time for...

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman and to the hon. Member for Sutton and Cheam (Mr. Burstow) for letting me get involved in their party, because there are issues in south London that I should like to draw to their attention. There are much the same pressures in Croydon...

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman and to the hon. Member for Sutton and Cheam (Mr. Burstow) for letting me get involved in their party, because there are issues in south London that I should like to draw to their attention. There are much the same pressures in Croydon...

The hon. Gentleman makes some fair points about the limbo that the health service in the London borough of Sutton has experienced for some time. At long last, however, the local NHS has come up with a plan that has secured the support of the joint overview and scrutiny committee,...

The hon. Gentleman makes some fair points about the limbo that the health service in the London borough of Sutton has experienced for some time. At long last, however, the local NHS has come up with a plan that has secured the support of the joint overview and scrutiny committee,...

A little earlier, when I walked into the Chamber, I was overwhelmed by the pleasure that Members displayed on seeing me. I think that it had something to do with the earliness of the hour and the opportunity they would have to get on with other business on behalf of...

A little earlier, when I walked into the Chamber, I was overwhelmed by the pleasure that Members displayed on seeing me. I think that it had something to do with the earliness of the hour and the opportunity they would have to get on with other business on behalf of...

My hon. Friend may remember that some new investment went into St. Helier hospital—for a new fountain at the entrance.

My hon. Friend may remember that some new investment went into St. Helier hospital—for a new fountain at the entrance.

My hon. Friend is correct: we have seen investment in a much-needed fountain at the front of the hospital. I am sure that it has been uplifting to the spirits of many of our constituents who have passed through its doors, although they would probably have preferred to see investment...

My hon. Friend is correct: we have seen investment in a much-needed fountain at the front of the hospital. I am sure that it has been uplifting to the spirits of many of our constituents who have passed through its doors, although they would probably have preferred to see investment...

Residents in Croydon obviously have a real interest in health care in the constituencies of the hon. Members for Sutton and Cheam (Mr. Burstow) and for Carshalton and Wallington (Tom Brake), who have been conscientious about raising these issues in the House. Is not the problem that we have seen...

Residents in Croydon obviously have a real interest in health care in the constituencies of the hon. Members for Sutton and Cheam (Mr. Burstow) and for Carshalton and Wallington (Tom Brake), who have been conscientious about raising these issues in the House. Is not the problem that we have seen...

There is always turnover in the network. Some 10 per cent. of post offices change hands every year. The process is not something to which the Government can put a stop. However, I believe that the access criteria offer some certainty for the future, which will help to ensure reasonable...

There is always turnover in the network. Some 10 per cent. of post offices change hands every year. The process is not something to which the Government can put a stop. However, I believe that the access criteria offer some certainty for the future, which will help to ensure reasonable...

I want to ask the Minister about something that he did not cover in his response. Once the programme is complete and closures have taken place, what safeguards will be put in place to ensure that new gaps do not open up in the network?

I want to ask the Minister about something that he did not cover in his response. Once the programme is complete and closures have taken place, what safeguards will be put in place to ensure that new gaps do not open up in the network?

I thank the Minister for giving way on the subject of the consequences of closures. I hope that he will respond to my question about the extent to which he expects account to be taken of the impact of closures on neighbouring post offices, and particularly on queues.

I thank the Minister for giving way on the subject of the consequences of closures. I hope that he will respond to my question about the extent to which he expects account to be taken of the impact of closures on neighbouring post offices, and particularly on queues.

Postwatch, the consumer body, is closely involved in the preparation of the plans. Several factors are taken into account, and I shall come on to the way in which the process of network change is working. Let me answer some of the questions about that, and about timing and the...

Postwatch, the consumer body, is closely involved in the preparation of the plans. Several factors are taken into account, and I shall come on to the way in which the process of network change is working. Let me answer some of the questions about that, and about timing and the...

I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Sutton and Cheam (Mr. Burstow) for allowing me to speak in this important debate about the future of post offices in Sutton. No one can be in any doubt about the importance of post offices. People understand that, and often refer to...

I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Sutton and Cheam (Mr. Burstow) for allowing me to speak in this important debate about the future of post offices in Sutton. No one can be in any doubt about the importance of post offices. People understand that, and often refer to...