HC Deb 26 October 1982 vol 29 c891 3.32 pm
Mr. Frank Dobson (Holborn and St. Pancras, South)

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 that should have urgent consideration, namely, the proposed closure for lack of funds of 60 beds out of 360 in the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children. The proposed closure is important because the number of children in intensive care in that hospital will be reduced from 40 to 22. That means a rolling death sentence through the months and years to come for 20 sick children who cannot survive without intensive care. The proposal affects children not only from my constituency but throughout Britain, because the sickest children are referred to that hospital from all parts of the country.

Despite the heartless departure of the Prime Minister from the Chamber, the matter remains urgent, because the beds are due to close next Monday. I hope, Mr. Speaker, that you will agree to an emergency debate, so that the necessary funds can be made available and the Ministers who prate about National Health Service staff putting lives at risk will have to come to the House and accept their responsibility for killing children who should be given the opportunity to make the best use of the facilities at Britain's premier children's hospital. We must ensure that the hospital remains open to its full capacity.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member for Holborn and St. Pancras, South (Mr. Dobson) gave me notice this morning, before 12 o'clock, that he would seek leave to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that he believes should have urgent consideration, namely, the proposed closure for lack of funds of 60 beds out of 360 in the Great Onnond Street Hospital for Sick Children. The House listened with care to what the hon. Gentleman said. As the House knows, under Standing Order No. 9 I am directed to take into account the several factors set out in the order but to give no reasons for my decision. I listened carefully to the hon. Gentleman's statement. I must rule that his submission does not fall within the provisions of the Standing Order, and, therefore, I cannot submit his application to the House.