Business of the House

Debate between Greg Mulholland and David Heath

Thursday 1st July 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr Heath]

The hon. Gentleman’s best opportunity to ask that question is at Justice questions on Tuesday 20 July. I suggest that he tables a question right away.

[Greg Mulholland (Leeds North West) (LD)]

The children’s heart unit at Leeds general infirmary is one of the oldest in the country—it has performed life-saving operations for more than 40 years. May we have an urgent debate on the review of the 11 children’s heart units around the country to ensure that people do not have to travel miles for life-saving heart surgery?

[Mr Heath]

Paediatric cardiac services are of considerable importance. Health Ministers are reviewing the situation at the moment—[Interruption.] The hon. Member for Bolsover (Mr Skinner) is complaining that the Government are holding reviews. He was around in 1997, but let me remind him that the Labour Government announced 38 reviews between 1 May and 27 June 1997. One former Cabinet Minister said at the time:

“We have hit the ground reviewing.”

We have hit the ground reforming.