Francis Report

Baroness Primarolo Excerpts

Wednesday 5th March 2014 Commons Chamber

[George Freeman]

On a point of order, Madam Deputy Speaker. I came to have a debate on the Francis report. The shadow Secretary of State is not mentioning the Francis report; he is launching a criticism of the Government’s record since the report, which has nothing to do with it.

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo)]

Frankly, that is my business and I do not require any help to decide what is in order. The shadow Secretary of State is remaining in order, as the Secretary of State remained in order. I think it is best that we continue with the Front-Bench opening speeches to make sure that we can get in all the Back Benchers who wish to speak in this important debate.

[Andy Burnham]

It is interesting that Government Members do not like it, but this is the reality in the NHS right now, 12 months after the Francis report. Patient care is being compromised in the mental health care system. If the hon. Member for Mid Norfolk (George Freeman) does not think that that is relevant, let me quote Professor Sue Bailey, the President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. She said that mental health units are

“heading for a Mid Staffs scandal”.

If that is not relevant, what is?

--- Later in debate ---

[Several hon. Members]

rose—

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo)]

Order. Before I call the next speaker, although this debate is due to run until 7 pm and obviously there will need to be time for the winding-up speeches, at the moment Members are speaking for 20 minutes or more. We will simply not have enough time to get everybody in if each Member speaks for that long. I am not proposing to set a time limit now, but I ask Members to give some consideration to their colleagues. Watch the clock—this is not a criticism of any previous speakers—and try to come in somewhere between 10 and 15 minutes, which is ample time. If that fails, I am afraid we will need a time limit, but I do not propose one at the moment.