§ Madam SpeakerWe now come to the Orders of the Day and the Jurisdiction (Conspiracy and Incitement) Bill—
§ Ms Joan Ruddock (Lewisham, Deptford)On a point of Order, Madam Speaker. I have indicated that I would present a petition this morning. It is on the list, I believe.
§ Madam SpeakerI was not aware of that, but there is no reason why we should not take it, as the hon. Lady is here.
§ Ms RuddockI am extremely grateful to you, Madam Speaker. I know that Conservative Members seek a distraction this morning.
I wish to present a petition brought on behalf of my constituents and those of my hon. Friends the Members for Lewisham, East (Mrs. Prentice) and for Lewisham, West (Mr. Dowd). About 1,000 constituents have signed, because they are shocked and angry that all elective surgery has been cancelled at the local hospital in Lewisham. The petition reads:
The petition of the residents of Lewisham and South East London and past and present patients of Lewisham Hospital and their families declares that the Lewisham Hospital is a vital service to the people of Lewisham and South East London. The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Secretary of State for Health to reverse the instruction of Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham Health Authority to Lewisham Hospital to cancel all non-urgent admissions scheduled for surgery up to 31st March 1997, and urgently investigate why admissions to the Accident and Emergency Service are 12 per cent. higher than anticipated in the contract with LSLHA.And the petitioners remain etc.
§ To lie upon the table.