Hospice Funding
Debate between Lord Forsyth of Drumlean and Baroness Merron(2 weeks, 2 days ago)
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Baroness Merron (Lab)
I understand the point the noble Baroness is making, because planning ahead and certainty are key. I can confirm that my ministerial colleague, Minister Kinnock, will soon meet all major stakeholders to discuss long-term sustainability of funding. We are very aware of the difficulties that have been caused thus far and seeking a way forward.
Lord Forsyth of Drumlean (Con)
My Lords, I commend to the Minister a scheme that I introduced when I was Secretary of State for Scotland, at the suggestion of the broadcaster Martyn Lewis, who wrote a book on the hospice movement in tribute to Dame Cicely Saunders. That scheme introduced pound-for-pound funding: every pound raised was matched by the Government, which had the effect of greatly increasing funding and the incentive for people to support the hospice movement. Will she consider introducing such a scheme, which, alas, did not survive the introduction of the Scottish Parliament?
Baroness Merron (Lab)
The noble Lord makes a very interesting point. Of course, the introduction of gift aid supported charitable funding, including to hospices, and I know was very warmly welcomed. These are all important ways of looking at funding and we will consider the best way forward, but I note from discussions with the hospice movement that hospices very much value their autonomy in terms of funding; the more linked it is to government funding, the less autonomy they have. We want dignified and appropriate care for patients and families, and to find the best way to deliver that.
Northern Ireland Dentists: Amalgam Fillings
Debate between Lord Forsyth of Drumlean and Baroness Merron(6 months ago)
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Baroness Merron (Lab)
Yes, I can confirm that amalgam is safe. The reason for this phase-down of the use of mercury, which is in amalgam fillings, is related to the environment. When mercury is released into the environment—for example, through emissions from crematoria—it can get into the food chain, where it accumulates mainly in fish such as shark and tuna. That can affect those who have a fish-rich diet, in countries such as Greenland, Brazil, Japan and China. However, there is no evidence whatsoever that amalgam is unsafe, and it is with that in mind that we have sought this arrangement for Northern Ireland.
Lord Forsyth of Drumlean (Con)
Further to the noble Lord’s rather ungracious question, can the Minister confirm that if we had not left the EU, it would not have been possible to continue with the use of amalgam?
Baroness Merron (Lab)
I am sure that there are many opinions in your Lordships’ House about what would have happened if we had not left the EU, and I think it is probably appropriate that I leave it there.