§ 6 pm
§ Mr. David Amess (Southend, West)I have the honour to present a petition from Doctor, which has organised a campaign called "Save our single-handers". Signatures have been gathered from all over the country, and the petition involves many local practitioners whose patients value their work and are very upset by what the Prime Minister said in the House a year ago.
The petition reads as follows.
To the Honourable the Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Parliament assembled.The Humble Petition of Doctors supported by those signatories whose signatures are appended.Sheweth,Their concern at the comments of the Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury during Prime Minister's Questions on 3rd July 2002 to the effect that "There has been a move over time away from single-handed practices so as to improve the quality of care that people receive", and also their concern that he has not been able to cite any evidence to support his supposition.Wherefore your petitioners pray that your honourable House urge the Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury to apologise for his aforementioned comments of 3rd July 2002 which have caused discontent amongst patients and General Practitioners.And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray, etc.To lie upon the Table.