NHS Reorganisation

Baroness Primarolo Excerpts

Wednesday 16th March 2011 Commons Chamber

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo)]

I advise the House that neither of the amendments has been selected by Mr Speaker. I remind Members that there is a six-minute limit on Back-Bench contributions, and I am sure that when making their opening speeches, both Front-Bench speakers will be conscious of the number of Back Benchers who want to speak in the debate.

--- Later in debate ---

[Michael Dugher]

I might be new to Parliament, but we ask the questions and he is supposed to answer them. The Secretary of State knows full well that patient groups, health charities, doctors and nurses oppose the Bill—even that shower opposite opposed it at their conference. Is it not just arrogance on the part of the Government—

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo)]

Order. The hon. Gentleman needs to moderate his language. I would grateful if he withdrew the word “shower” and thought of another way to make his point that uses parliamentary language.

[Michael Dugher]

I withdraw “shower”.

Is it not just arrogant for the Government to think that everybody else is wrong and they are right—

[Madam Deputy Speaker]

Order. It was not an opportunity to ask another question, either.

[Mr Lansley]

The hon. Gentleman has now learned that, if one is trying to pray somebody in aid, it is best not to insult them at the same time.

We have made it clear that we need to protect the NHS now and for future generations through modernisation. Under the Labour party—