HC Deb 21 October 1976 vol 917 cc1671-2
Mr. Pavitt

I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No. 9, for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter which should have urgent consideration; namely The situation arising from the dispute between the Brent Community Health Council and the area health authority which could affect every hospital in the country, and the need to arrest the changes now taking place in Willesden. It is specific in the sense that only yesterday I received an opinion from learned counsel which showed that the action being pursued by the area health authority may well be ultra vires and that the various ways in which this will affect the health of 250,000 people in my borough are most specific to each family within my constituency.

I would not be raising this matter if it concerned only one hospital, but it affects the whole organisation between 90 area health authorities throughout the land and the responsibilities, rights and duties of community health councils, because this case could affect every hospital at present being discussed for reorganisation, closure or some other purpose.

The matter requires urgent consideration because of the specific case I brought to your attention, Mr. Speaker. Action is already about to take place which will probably mean that no further outcome from the dispute at present, and where councils are making representations, will affect the situation, and the likelihood is that, irrespective of the outcome of the dispute, action will have already been taken which will pre-empt subsequent reversals of policy. It will be too late to make any change then.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Gentleman seeks leave to move the Adjournment of the House under Standing Order No. 9 for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter which he thinks should have urgent consideration; namely, The situation arising from the dispute between the Brent Community Health Council and the area health authority which could affect every hospital in the country, and the need to arrest the changes now taking place in Willesden. As the House knows, under Standing Order No. 9 I am directed to take into account the several factors set out in the Standing Order, but to give no reasons for my decision. I do not deal with the merits of the particular case but with whether it shall have precedence over the business of the House.

I have given careful consideration to the representations that the hon. Gentleman has made, but I have to rule that his submission does not fall within the provisions of the Standing Order, and therefore I cannot submit his application to the House.