I have to accept the view of hon. Members who know that community and the decision-making process. Planning considerations were one issue that the Secretary of State took into consideration. The primary issue, though—she was clear about this—was that the socio-economic nature of the communities concerned had to be regarded...

I have to accept the view of hon. Members who know that community and the decision-making process. Planning considerations were one issue that the Secretary of State took into consideration. The primary issue, though—she was clear about this—was that the socio-economic nature of the communities concerned had to be regarded...

All local MPs are united in our belief that the decision on planning grounds was a red herring thrown into the debate to prevent the hospital from being built on the St. Helier site. We have also received, as far as it has been possible, much support from the Mayor...

All local MPs are united in our belief that the decision on planning grounds was a red herring thrown into the debate to prevent the hospital from being built on the St. Helier site. We have also received, as far as it has been possible, much support from the Mayor...

I have to respect my hon. Friend’s view of the situation. She has been a tireless campaigner on behalf of her constituents not just in the context of the NHS, but in terms of the need for social and economic regeneration in every aspect of Government policy. It is consistent...

I have to respect my hon. Friend’s view of the situation. She has been a tireless campaigner on behalf of her constituents not just in the context of the NHS, but in terms of the need for social and economic regeneration in every aspect of Government policy. It is consistent...

We certainly expect that those who conduct NHS consultation processes will do so in an authentic and genuine way. That is about listening to the local population and articulating the need for change in the context of rising patient expectations and advances in modern medicine. It is important to say...

We certainly expect that those who conduct NHS consultation processes will do so in an authentic and genuine way. That is about listening to the local population and articulating the need for change in the context of rising patient expectations and advances in modern medicine. It is important to say...

Surely the prospect of the hon. Gentleman’s constituents having to face a journey out of the borough of Sutton, possibly even to the Mayday hospital in Croydon, is entirely unreasonable, bearing in mind the travel times involved and the geography of south London.

Surely the prospect of the hon. Gentleman’s constituents having to face a journey out of the borough of Sutton, possibly even to the Mayday hospital in Croydon, is entirely unreasonable, bearing in mind the travel times involved and the geography of south London.

The hon. Lady’s point speaks for itself, and I hope that the Minister will be able to respond to it. My hon. Friend the Member for Carshalton and Wallington and I certainly share that concern. We need an open and full public consultation as the review goes forward. The wave...

The hon. Lady’s point speaks for itself, and I hope that the Minister will be able to respond to it. My hon. Friend the Member for Carshalton and Wallington and I certainly share that concern. We need an open and full public consultation as the review goes forward. The wave...

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the list of public meetings to be held in conjunction with the consultation on better health care closer-to-home are all timed for between 6.30 and 8.30 in the evening, which will exclude many people who work in the centre of London? Is he also...

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the list of public meetings to be held in conjunction with the consultation on better health care closer-to-home are all timed for between 6.30 and 8.30 in the evening, which will exclude many people who work in the centre of London? Is he also...

In making such inquiries, will the Minister ensure that the consultation is genuine and is not just about information giving?

In making such inquiries, will the Minister ensure that the consultation is genuine and is not just about information giving?

I congratulate the hon. Member for Sutton and Cheam (Mr. Burstow) on securing this debate on significant issues in relation to the NHS affecting his constituents. The contribution made by the hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Tom Brake) was of equal importance and validity. I shall try to respond,...

I congratulate the hon. Member for Sutton and Cheam (Mr. Burstow) on securing this debate on significant issues in relation to the NHS affecting his constituents. The contribution made by the hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Tom Brake) was of equal importance and validity. I shall try to respond,...

I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Sutton and Cheam (Mr. Burstow)—and, indeed, the Minister—for allowing me to make a contribution to tonight’s crucial debate. Our constituents share the accident and emergency unit at St. Helier hospital. My hon. Friend’s children were born at the hospital, and so were...

I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Sutton and Cheam (Mr. Burstow)—and, indeed, the Minister—for allowing me to make a contribution to tonight’s crucial debate. Our constituents share the accident and emergency unit at St. Helier hospital. My hon. Friend’s children were born at the hospital, and so were...

The hon. Gentleman makes a fair point. The difficulty is that those engaged in programming all this are not fully aware of the difficulties involved in moving around this part of London. That is why my constituents want to be reassured tonight that a full range of health care services...

The hon. Gentleman makes a fair point. The difficulty is that those engaged in programming all this are not fully aware of the difficulties involved in moving around this part of London. That is why my constituents want to be reassured tonight that a full range of health care services...

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many people are on the housing waiting list in the London Borough of Sutton.

To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many people are on the housing waiting list in the London Borough of Sutton.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has made of the (a) performance and (b) popularity of Sutton’s self-service public library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has made of the (a) performance and (b) popularity of Sutton’s self-service public library.

On clarity, does my hon. Friend agree that it would be important to know what the estates strategy means when it talks about Sutton court being an ““opportunity””?

On clarity, does my hon. Friend agree that it would be important to know what the estates strategy means when it talks about Sutton court being an ““opportunity””?

I am grateful to my hon. Friend the Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Tom Brake) for applying for and securing a debate on this subject today. I am also grateful to the Minister for giving me the opportunity to contribute briefly to it. As my hon. Friend rightly says, when...

I am grateful to my hon. Friend the Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Tom Brake) for applying for and securing a debate on this subject today. I am also grateful to the Minister for giving me the opportunity to contribute briefly to it. As my hon. Friend rightly says, when...

I congratulate the hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Tom Brake) on securing the debate; perhaps I should congratulate the double act that is now in place, because he and the hon. Member for Sutton and Cheam (Mr. Burstow) are each sharing one another’s concerns, as they did a few...

I congratulate the hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Tom Brake) on securing the debate; perhaps I should congratulate the double act that is now in place, because he and the hon. Member for Sutton and Cheam (Mr. Burstow) are each sharing one another’s concerns, as they did a few...

Yes, there is a lovely euphemism in the business plan; it talks of ““integration opportunities””. I call them mergers and closures. That is what we are talking about. It is an opportunity to close a courthouse, realise an asset and reinvest it elsewhere in the business activities of Her Majesty’s...

Yes, there is a lovely euphemism in the business plan; it talks of ““integration opportunities””. I call them mergers and closures. That is what we are talking about. It is an opportunity to close a courthouse, realise an asset and reinvest it elsewhere in the business activities of Her Majesty’s...

I welcome the opportunity for this timely debate. I am aware that my hon. Friend the Member for Sutton and Cheam (Mr. Burstow) wishes to make a brief contribution to the debate.

I welcome the opportunity for this timely debate. I am aware that my hon. Friend the Member for Sutton and Cheam (Mr. Burstow) wishes to make a brief contribution to the debate.

Thank you, Mr. Marshall, for that intervention. I hope that the Minister will be receptive to the idea that my hon. Friend will share my time in this debate. I think that she has nodded her assent to that proposal. This is not our first debate on Sutton magistrates court....

Thank you, Mr. Marshall, for that intervention. I hope that the Minister will be receptive to the idea that my hon. Friend will share my time in this debate. I think that she has nodded her assent to that proposal. This is not our first debate on Sutton magistrates court....

Yes. I know the area very well and I understand the hon. Gentleman’s point. There is already a precedent for joint working between courts in south-east London. For example, Camberwell has a satellite court at London Bridge, and Greenwich and Woolwich magistrates courts work co-operatively together, which has proved to...

Yes. I know the area very well and I understand the hon. Gentleman’s point. There is already a precedent for joint working between courts in south-east London. For example, Camberwell has a satellite court at London Bridge, and Greenwich and Woolwich magistrates courts work co-operatively together, which has proved to...

Would it be possible, after the debate, to obtain access to information about any modelling that has been done of the cluster idea in terms of its effect on the use of the three courts’ capacity and what it might mean for our constituents in terms of their travelling and...

Would it be possible, after the debate, to obtain access to information about any modelling that has been done of the cluster idea in terms of its effect on the use of the three courts’ capacity and what it might mean for our constituents in terms of their travelling and...

While that is true, in fact transport connections from the London borough of Sutton are via West Croydon, but the main interchange is East Croydon, so transport access is not straightforward.

While that is true, in fact transport connections from the London borough of Sutton are via West Croydon, but the main interchange is East Croydon, so transport access is not straightforward.

During the formal consultation phase of the proposals, would it be possible for the Minister or her colleague the Minister of State to meet me and my hon. Friend and representatives of the London borough of Sutton to discuss our concerns in a little more detail? Obviously, at that point...

During the formal consultation phase of the proposals, would it be possible for the Minister or her colleague the Minister of State to meet me and my hon. Friend and representatives of the London borough of Sutton to discuss our concerns in a little more detail? Obviously, at that point...

I shall come to the definition of opportunity, but it means that there are likely to be different opportunities for continued usage in future. However, that does not necessarily mean closure. It could mean a court being used for a batch of similar cases that could be dealt with more...

I shall come to the definition of opportunity, but it means that there are likely to be different opportunities for continued usage in future. However, that does not necessarily mean closure. It could mean a court being used for a batch of similar cases that could be dealt with more...

We referred earlier to the fact that Sutton is an opportunity court. The comments on other opportunity courts state that Ilford, for example, has the potential to relocate. Could the Minister try to ascertain from the relevant Department precisely the way in which Sutton constitutes an opportunity?

We referred earlier to the fact that Sutton is an opportunity court. The comments on other opportunity courts state that Ilford, for example, has the potential to relocate. Could the Minister try to ascertain from the relevant Department precisely the way in which Sutton constitutes an opportunity?

I will certainly try to ensure that if such information is available it is provided to the hon. Gentleman and the hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington.

I will certainly try to ensure that if such information is available it is provided to the hon. Gentleman and the hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington.

I shall have to write to the hon. Gentleman about the bench legal manager. There will be local centralisation of administrative functions, but I shall have to take advice on whether that means only one legal manager. I will return to the hon. Gentleman on that. I hope that I...

I shall have to write to the hon. Gentleman about the bench legal manager. There will be local centralisation of administrative functions, but I shall have to take advice on whether that means only one legal manager. I will return to the hon. Gentleman on that. I hope that I...

I thought that the Minister was about to conclude. Will she respond on the bench legal manager issue, if not now then at least in writing? That is clearly an issue that JPs are most concerned about. I thought from her response that she was saying that there would be...

I thought that the Minister was about to conclude. Will she respond on the bench legal manager issue, if not now then at least in writing? That is clearly an issue that JPs are most concerned about. I thought from her response that she was saying that there would be...

I do not want to commit my right hon. and learned Friend to meetings without having a word with her, but I will certainly put it to her. She is generally very open to meetings with colleagues and, if her diary permits, I am sure that she will allow that....

I do not want to commit my right hon. and learned Friend to meetings without having a word with her, but I will certainly put it to her. She is generally very open to meetings with colleagues and, if her diary permits, I am sure that she will allow that....

Westminster Hall adjournment debate on Sutton Magistrates Court

Westminster Hall adjournment debate on Sutton Magistrates Court

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many general practitioners per 100,000 population there were in (a) the Sutton and Merton Primary Care Trust area and (b) England in each year since 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many general practitioners per 100,000 population there were in (a) the Sutton and Merton Primary Care Trust area and (b) England in each year since 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many violent attacks were committed under the influence of alcohol and in connection with licensed premises in each of the last three years in (a) Croydon, (b) Sutton and (c) Bromley boroughs.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many violent attacks were committed under the influence of alcohol and in connection with licensed premises in each of the last three years in (a) Croydon, (b) Sutton and (c) Bromley boroughs.

Earlier this year the south-west London health authority concluded its consultation, ““Better Healthcare Closer to Home””. It concluded that Merton and Sutton needed six local care centres and one acute hospital. However, there was some disagreement about that and the hon. Member for Mitcham and Morden (Siobhain McDonagh) objected and...

Earlier this year the south-west London health authority concluded its consultation, ““Better Healthcare Closer to Home””. It concluded that Merton and Sutton needed six local care centres and one acute hospital. However, there was some disagreement about that and the hon. Member for Mitcham and Morden (Siobhain McDonagh) objected and...

I am obviously not familiar with the particular circumstances that the hon. Gentleman sets out, but I assure him that I will bring the matter to the attention of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health and invite her to write to him directly.

I am obviously not familiar with the particular circumstances that the hon. Gentleman sets out, but I assure him that I will bring the matter to the attention of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health and invite her to write to him directly.

Will my right hon. Friend allow a debate on the front-page story of today’s Wimbledon Post on mis-spending by unelected bureaucrats in the NHS? My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health has been called in to decide on the site of a new general hospital in my...

Will my right hon. Friend allow a debate on the front-page story of today’s Wimbledon Post on mis-spending by unelected bureaucrats in the NHS? My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health has been called in to decide on the site of a new general hospital in my...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was about to say to my hon. Friend that, having had to prepare for Cabinet, attend the meeting, and prepare for business questions, I had not had time to read this morning’s copy of the Wimbledon Post. However, I suspect that I no longer need...

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was about to say to my hon. Friend that, having had to prepare for Cabinet, attend the meeting, and prepare for business questions, I had not had time to read this morning’s copy of the Wimbledon Post. However, I suspect that I no longer need...

Letter dated 21/03/2005 from Ian Munn, Councillor in London Borough of Merton, to John Reid MP regarding the choice of location for a new critical care hospital in Merton.

Letter dated 21/03/2005 from Ian Munn, Councillor in London Borough of Merton, to John Reid MP regarding the choice of location for a new critical care hospital in Merton.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills pursuant to the answer of 11 July 2005, Official Report, column 836W, on education, if she will break down the figures in the second table by residing authority.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills pursuant to the answer of 11 July 2005, Official Report, column 836W, on education, if she will break down the figures in the second table by residing authority.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills pursuant to the Answer of 28 June 2005, Official Report, column 1446W, on spending per pupil, what the figures were for the London borough of Sutton.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills pursuant to the Answer of 28 June 2005, Official Report, column 1446W, on spending per pupil, what the figures were for the London borough of Sutton.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many children are attending schools in the London borough of Sutton in the 2004/05 academic year, broken down by (a) the local authority in which the child is resident and (b) whether the child is attending (i) primary, (ii)...

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many children are attending schools in the London borough of Sutton in the 2004/05 academic year, broken down by (a) the local authority in which the child is resident and (b) whether the child is attending (i) primary, (ii)...

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer of 16 June 2005, Official Report, column 537W, on traffic accidents (London), if he will set out the equivalent figures for the London borough of Sutton in 1985.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer of 16 June 2005, Official Report, column 537W, on traffic accidents (London), if he will set out the equivalent figures for the London borough of Sutton in 1985.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many (a) full-time teachers and (b) full-time equivalent teachers and (c) full-time equivalent teaching assistants there were in the London borough of Sutton in (i) 1985 and (ii) the last year for which figures are available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many (a) full-time teachers and (b) full-time equivalent teachers and (c) full-time equivalent teaching assistants there were in the London borough of Sutton in (i) 1985 and (ii) the last year for which figures are available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many children are attending schools in the London borough of Sutton in the 2004–05 academic year, broken down by (a) local authority and (b) (i) primary, (ii) secondary and (iii) special school.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many children are attending schools in the London borough of Sutton in the 2004–05 academic year, broken down by (a) local authority and (b) (i) primary, (ii) secondary and (iii) special school.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many helicopter movements there were in the airspace above the London Borough of Sutton in each year since 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many helicopter movements there were in the airspace above the London Borough of Sutton in each year since 2001.

Taxes Management Act 1970: Divisions of General Commissioners (No. 2) (Amendment) Order 2005. DCA. 2005.

Taxes Management Act 1970: Divisions of General Commissioners (No. 2) (Amendment) Order 2005. DCA. 2005.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what guidance he gave to the Merton, Sutton and Mid-Surrey NHS Trust during the recent consultation Better Healthcare Closer to Home, with particular reference to (a) publicising the consultation within the catchment area and (b) definition of the catchment area; and what...

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what guidance he gave to the Merton, Sutton and Mid-Surrey NHS Trust during the recent consultation Better Healthcare Closer to Home, with particular reference to (a) publicising the consultation within the catchment area and (b) definition of the catchment area; and what...

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, when he expects to respond to the request of the honourable Member for Sutton and Cheam for a meeting to discuss plans for a critical care hospital in Sutton and Cheam constituency.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, when he expects to respond to the request of the honourable Member for Sutton and Cheam for a meeting to discuss plans for a critical care hospital in Sutton and Cheam constituency.

Christmas recess motion speech on EDM 438 on the closure of Sutton disability benefits centre.

Christmas recess motion speech on EDM 438 on the closure of Sutton disability benefits centre.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many patients were registered with an NHS dentist in Sutton and Merton Primary Care Trust in each year since 1997. - Including table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many patients were registered with an NHS dentist in Sutton and Merton Primary Care Trust in each year since 1997. - Including table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of how changes in Civil Service numbers announced by the Chancellor in his statement on the Spending Review will affect the Sutton Disability Benefit Centre.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of how changes in Civil Service numbers announced by the Chancellor in his statement on the Spending Review will affect the Sutton Disability Benefit Centre.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether Mr Ken Sutton is a member of the Asylum Intake Reduction Sub-committee; and if he will make a statement. (Holding answer 7 June 2004).

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether Mr Ken Sutton is a member of the Asylum Intake Reduction Sub-committee; and if he will make a statement. (Holding answer 7 June 2004).

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what investment his Department (a) has allocated and (b) plans to allocate to increase the supply of affordable housing in Sutton in each year since 1997, broken down by parliamentary constituency. - Inc table.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what investment his Department (a) has allocated and (b) plans to allocate to increase the supply of affordable housing in Sutton in each year since 1997, broken down by parliamentary constituency. - Inc table.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what house building targets there have been for Sutton since 1997, broken down by parliamentary constituency; and if he will make a statement. - Inc ref to 'Strategic Guidance for London Planning Authorities', 'The London Spatial Development Strategy (The London Plan)' and 'London's Housing...

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what house building targets there have been for Sutton since 1997, broken down by parliamentary constituency; and if he will make a statement. - Inc ref to 'Strategic Guidance for London Planning Authorities', 'The London Spatial Development Strategy (The London Plan)' and 'London's Housing...

Westminster Hall adjournment debate on older people in Sutton.

Westminster Hall adjournment debate on older people in Sutton.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what the vacancy rates are for health visitors in (a) Lambeth and (b) Sutton primary care trusts. - Inc table. (Holding answer 24 February 2004).

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what the vacancy rates are for health visitors in (a) Lambeth and (b) Sutton primary care trusts. - Inc table. (Holding answer 24 February 2004).

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many community support officers will be in post in the London Borough of Sutton by the end of March 2004. - Includes figure.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many community support officers will be in post in the London Borough of Sutton by the end of March 2004. - Includes figure.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people were (a) on the NOMIS register and (b) non-claimants of job seeker's allowance, but users of the Job Centre Service at Sutton Job Centre in each of the last three years. - Inc table and text of...

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people were (a) on the NOMIS register and (b) non-claimants of job seeker's allowance, but users of the Job Centre Service at Sutton Job Centre in each of the last three years. - Inc table and text of...

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many full-time equivalent (a) permanent and (b) fixed term staff worked at the Job Centre in Sutton in each of the last three years. - Includes table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many full-time equivalent (a) permanent and (b) fixed term staff worked at the Job Centre in Sutton in each of the last three years. - Includes table.

Westminster Hall adjournment debate on Sutton Courthouse.

Westminster Hall adjournment debate on Sutton Courthouse.

Letter dated 01.04.2003 from Tony Blair PM to Tom Brake MP regarding the closure of Sutton Magistrates' Court. Prime Minister. 2003.

Letter dated 01.04.2003 from Tony Blair PM to Tom Brake MP regarding the closure of Sutton Magistrates' Court. Prime Minister. 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what estimate he has made of the cost of agency and bank nurses in (a) Sutton and (b) London in the last 12 months; and what assessment he has made of the impact of these costs on the respective primary care trusts....

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what estimate he has made of the cost of agency and bank nurses in (a) Sutton and (b) London in the last 12 months; and what assessment he has made of the impact of these costs on the respective primary care trusts....