HC Deb 17 July 2003 vol 409 c474 2.20 pm
Mr. Henry Bellingham (North-West Norfolk)

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Earlier today, the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry issued a written statement on community pharmacies which was detailed and fairly comprehensive. At the same time, the Secretary of State for Health published a document entitled "A Vision for Pharmacy in the New NHS".

As you will know, Mr. Speaker—as you are often herein the late evenings—many Members hand in petitions signed by hundreds of thousands of constituents throughout the country supporting community pharmacies and small businesses. Given the amount of public concern, and given that the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry said that a statement would be made before the House rose, surely the right hon. Lady owes it to the House to make an oral statement enabling us to question her on what are very technical and complicated matters. What can you do, Mr. Speaker, to urge and persuade Ministers to give us such opportunities in future?

Mr. Speaker

It is not for me to take on the responsibilities of a Back Bencher. The matter could easily be raised today during the Adjournment debates that are about to take place. That would enable the hon. Gentleman to register his complaint.

  1. BILLS PRESENTED
      2. c474
    1. ENERGY EFFICIENCY 128 words
      2. c474
    2. CARE HOMES (TENANCY) 57 words