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Week of 13^th October – 17^th October

Major Developments
Links to information on recent major developments.

The Week Ahead
Upcoming business in Westminster.

This Past Week
Links to the business of both houses that has taken place over the last week. Including Ministerial and Prime Ministers Questions, debates in the Houses and in Westminster Hall, and links to written statements and answers.

Department of Health
Links to the main news from the Department of Health, including topical health issues and recent publications.

APHG and Website
Information from the APHG, including links to our own site, which includes news on upcoming events and access to constituency health data.

Useful Links
Links to other health pages.

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Major Developments (13^th October – 17^th October)

Liberal Democrat Health Team- The Liberal Democrats health team in Parliament was reshuffled on Monday. Dr Evan Harris has stepped down as Shadow Health Minister in order to care for his terminally ill partner. He is replaced by Paul Burstow, with the APHG’s Sandra Gidley adding the Older People’s portfolio to her existing role as shadow spokesperson for Women. Meanwhile, Sarah Teather, leading lib-dem Health Policy thinker took up her seat on Monday.

Digital Hearing Aids- The government unveiled plans to provide deaf people with free digital hearing aids by handing over part of the work from the NHS to the private sector. Health minister Stephen Ladyman has struck a deal with two high street suppliers to provide a free assessment and fitting service which was previously available only on NHS premises.

Public Accounts Committee- The Commons public accounts committee published a report entitled "A safer place to work: Improving the management of health and safety risks to staff in NHS trusts". (see The Committee Corridor below)

Smoking Ban?- Barry Sheerman MP, APHG advisory panel member, lead a Westminster Hall debate alongside Linda Perham, moving to ban smoking in public places. The Ministerial response is said to be one of public coolness but private support. (see Westminster Hall Debates below, and also Minister cool on smoking ban)

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The Week Ahead (20^th October – 24^th October)

Monday –

Mr John McWilliam, on behalf of the Committee of Selection, moves in Chamber - That Andy Burnham and Julia Drown be discharged from the Health Committee and Mr Keith Bradley and Mr Jon Owen Jones be added.

Public Accounts Committee – evidence session 4.30pm, Room 8 - Subject: Procurement of vaccines by the Department of Health. Witnesses: Sir Nigel Crisp KCB, Permanent Secretary/NHS Chief Executive, Dr Pat Troop, Chief Executive of the Health Protection Agency, and Dr David Salisbury, Principal Medical Officer, Department of Health.

Health and Social Care Bill - Lords

Tuesday –

Health Committee visit to USA

Wednesday –

APHG seminar with Professor Alasdair Breckenridge of MHRA

Lords Chamber - The Baroness Boothroyd—To ask Her Majesty’s Government what action is being taken to recover the amount owing to the National Health Service by overseas visitors, known as National Health Service tourists, who have unlawfully obtained free medical treatment

Lords Chamber - Patients’ Forums (Functions) Regulations 2003—The Earl Howe to move, That an Humble Address be presented to Her Majesty praying that the Regulations, laid before the House on 14th August, be annulled

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This Past Week (13^th October – 17^th October)

HOUSE OF COMMONS

Health Questions l Questions to the Prime Minister l Westminster Hall Debates l Written Ministerial Statements l Written Answers (A-Z) l Early Day Motions l The Committee Corridor l

HOUSE OF LORDS

Lords Chamber l Written Answers (Lords)

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HOUSE OF COMMONS

Parliamentary Health Questions – Answered in the Chamber

There were no Oral Questions heard in the Chamber this week

Questions to the Prime Minister (Wednesday 15^th October)

Mr. Andrew Robathan (Blaby)— Engagements [15 Oct 2003]

Westminster Hall Debates

Smoking (Public Places) [14 Oct 2003]

Mental Health Services [14 Oct 2003]

Paediatric Allergy Services [14 Oct 2003]

Written Ministerial Statements

The were no Ministerial Statements made to the House this week

Written Answers (A-Z by subject) – Select a letter.

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A l B l C l D l E l F l G l H l I l J l K l L l M l N l O l P l Q l R l S l T l U l V l W l X l Y l Z
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