§ Mr. Laurie Pavitt (Brent, South)I beg to ask leave to present a petition on behalf of the constituents of Brent, South who are profoundly concerned about the changes that are taking place in the socal benefits scheme.
The Brent Association for the Disabled is especially worried, as it appears that legislation passing through the House might disadvantage more than 100 of its members. It is apt that the petition should be presented this morning, because next week the House will consider these matters. Although the legislation will inevitably go through, perhaps some of the anxieties expressed by people throughout the country will be calmed on Report, and perhaps the legislation will help a few of those who will be dispossessed.
The petition sheweth
That the legislation based on the "Reform of Social Security—the Programme for Action" White Paper—which was the start of the Bill—will be extremely detrimental to the residents of the United Kingdom who are in receipt of social security benefits. Wherefore your petitioners pray that your Honourable House do not pass legislation arising out of the "Reform of Social Security" White Paper. And your petitoners, as in duty bound, will ever pray, etc.
§ To lie upon the Table.