Oral Answers to Questions

John Bercow Excerpts

Tuesday 11th June 2013 Commons Chamber

[Dr Poulter]

The right hon. Gentleman is absolutely right—there is almost an outbreak of consensus across the Dispatch Boxes on this issue. We both recognise, rightly, that there is a long-term challenge in providing more integrated, joined-up care to better look after older people. However, it is ironic that he should raise that concern, because a previous Minister in the other place, the noble Lord Warner, has made the case very clearly that the previous Government failed to invest adequately in elderly care throughout their time in office. That is why this Government—I hope that we can count on the right hon. Gentleman’s support for this—are investing in health and social care, more integrated services at a local level through health and wellbeing boards and—

[Mr Speaker]

Order. The answers are too long. They need to get shorter, because we have a lot to get through. It is very simple and very clear.

[John Pugh (Southport) (LD)]

Given that we have the lowest ratio of intensive care beds in the EU, what are the Government doing to monitor possible risks in future?

--- Later in debate ---

[Several hon. Members]

rose—

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I am sorry; demand always exceeds supply at Health questions, rather as in the health service, so we must now move on.