Social Care (Local Sufficiency) and Identification of Carers Bill

Debate between Heidi Alexander and David Nuttall

Friday 7th September 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Nuttall]

We are less than halfway through the time allocated for the debate, which did not begin until after 9.45 am. I do not think that there is much danger of our not being able to hear the views of Front Benchers. I entirely agree with the hon. Gentleman that there are plenty of things that we want to hear from those on the Opposition Front Bench. I am particularly interested to know why, if this measure is so important, the Labour party did not present it in the form of a Government Bill during the 13 years in which it had the opportunity to do so.

[Heidi Alexander (Lewisham East) (Lab)]

If the hon. Gentleman thinks that it is so important to hear from Front Benchers, does he also think that it is important to hear from those of us who want to make the case for carers in our constituencies, and who have expressed to you, Madam Deputy Speaker, our desire to speak in the debate? I wonder whether he will be allowing those of us on this side of the Chamber to make our contribution.

[Mr Nuttall]

Absolutely. I completely agree. We want to hear from as many Members as possible, including the hon. Lady.