§ Mr. SpeakerThe next petition is to be presented by the hon. Member for Livingston (Mr. Cook). I understand that there are a large number of signatures—up to 100 boxes. In order to protect the business of the House, which today is precious Back-Bench Members' time, I have had to place some limit on the number of supporting pages that can be brought into the Chamber, but no doubt the hon. Gentleman will inform the House of the total number of signatures that the petition bears.
§ Mr. Graham Allen (Nottingham, North)On a point of order—
§ Mr. Frank Cook (Stockton, North)On a point of order, Mr. Speaker—
§ Mr. SpeakerNo. I shall take the petition first.
§ Mr. Robin Cook (Livingston)I wish to present a petition on behalf of ambulance staff, which is signed by 4.5 million electors. Yesterday, when it was presented to myself and my right hon. Friend the Leader of the Opposition, it took six stretchers to convey the boxes into the House. Without questioning your ruling, Mr. Speaker, its effect is that the pile of boxes presented in the Chamber this morning is but a quarter of the total number of signatures collected in the petition.
1294 It is the largest petition presented to Parliament since the new rules were devised 150 years ago. The petition reads:
that the Ambulance dispute is in need of urgent resolution. Wherefore your Petitioners pray that your honourable House urge the Secretary of State for Health to use the good offices of ACAS and agree to arbitration in order to end this unnecessary dispute: and urge the Secretary of State to provide a pay formula for the Ambulance Service similar to that for the other emergency services.The record size of the petition is a powerful statement of public support for the dedication and courage of ambulance staff. It shows the public dismay that they are still denied arbitration. Its presentation is timely in that it comes just before the busiest week in the year for this vital emergency service.I appeal to the House and to the Government to listen to this magnificent plea by the public, who need their ambulance service, for a just and urgent settlement to the dispute.
§ To lie upon the Table.
§ Mr. Frank CookOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker.
§ Mr. SpeakerNo, I will deal with the other petitions first, and then I shall take points of order.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. I call Mr. Roger Sims.
§ Mr. Roger Sims (Chislehurst)I beg to present a petition.
§ Mr. SpeakerI have said already that we must deal with the other petitions first.
§ Mr. SpeakerBut the hon. Member for Livingston (Mr. Cook) has placed his petition in the Bag.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. I am well aware that there will be points of order, and I shall deal with them shortly. I call Mr. Sims.