Clarion Article
September 1, 2004 12:00 AM
Parliament is currently sitting for just two weeks and then has a further recess for the 3 week Party Conference season. The return to Westminster does have the advantage that questions can be asked of Ministers. In the past there really was a very long period, (July until mid October) when the Government couldn't be challenged unless of course there was an emergency recall. Even so, the Government managed to slip out many announcements during this summer recess and thus avoided parliamentary challenge. These included the deregulation of pharmacies.
Last year the Office of Fair Trading published a report proposing the deregulation of the pharmacy market, which currently issues licences to pharmacies to ensure an even spread of pharmacies across communities which was immediately condemned by the National Pharmaceutical Association and organisations representing independent pharmacies. The new plans will make it easier for supermarkets in out-of-town shopping centres and those opening over 100 hours a week to get a licence. There is a fear that those who rely on smaller, local pharmacies - such as the elderly, the disabled, people with young children or those without cars - may find in future that such pharmacies are forced to close due to lack of custom. A large number of residents of Upton signed a petition some time ago reflecting these concerns. I took the signatures to the Department of Trade and Industry and also spoke in a well attended debate in Westminster Hall. However, despite quite encouraging remarks from the Secretary of Trade and Industry, the Government has just ploughed ahead with these proposals ignoring the concerns of thousands and thousands of people. There is a message here that we must make sure we support our local shops and facilities or we might lose them.
This fortnight has been packed with action for me. During the first week, I had Prime Minister's Question number 2, I asked the Prime Minister if he had any hope for progress on the agreed road map for peace in the Middle East. This was followed by my first ten minute rule bill. I took the opportunity to raise issues relating to access to literature for visually impaired children. In the second week I led for my Party in the second reading debate for the Children Bill. A late announcement by the Government has put fox hunting back on the agenda.
Meanwhile back in the constituency, I was pleased to meet a number of Upton residents during a recent street surgery. I did pick up on a number of concerns about local issues and am following them all through. I certainly witnessed an area which needed some thorough street cleaning to clear up the debris from dead weeds on pavement edges. I am anxious that all residents do get a good level of service.
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