Clive Efford Live in Parliament: June 24th - July 2nd

This week in Parliament Clive asked questions in the House about the Government's commitment to the Community Hospital in Eltham, the European recession, the housing benefit and the effect their decisions are to have on pensioners plus more seen here:

He also made his maiden speech of this parliament with a speech on this Government's budget found here.

1. G8 and G20 Summits (28th June 2010)

Clive's question transcript:

Were there any discussions about the possibility of one of our European neighbours falling into further recession? In that eventuality, what contingencies would be considered?

2. Budget Debate (28th June 2010)

Clive's question transcipt:

On page 33 of the Red Book, paragraph 1.102 makes it quite clear that the Government intend to reduce housing benefit to people of working age if they under-occupy council housing. In his response to an intervention, the Secretary of State referred to pensioners under-occupying social housing. Does that not give the lie to what is in the Red Book, and show the real intention of housing benefit changes, which are an attack on pensioners?

3. Health Debate - Eltham Community Hospital (29th June 2010)

Clive's question transcript:

Question 8: What recent representations he has received on the new community hospital for Eltham; and if he will make a statement.

Simon Burns (Conservative, Minister of State (Health)) :

The Department of Health is in contact with strategic health authorities regarding ongoing community hospital programme funding. This includes contact with the London SHA for Eltham and Mottingham community hospital and other schemes in the region.

Clive's response to the answer:

I am grateful for that answer, as far as it went-but there is a great deal of expectation in the community in Eltham that that project will be delivered. It has been in the pipeline for quite some time and will provide 40 respite beds, diagnostics such as blood tests and X-rays and, I hope, dialysis at a local level, as well as a GP-led walk-in urgent care centre. May I urge the Minister to revisit the project, and when I ask a future question, to come back with a better answer?

4. Local Government Financing 29th June 2010

Clive's question transcript:

Is my right hon. Friend aware that during the opening of yesterday's debate on the Budget in an exchange about cutting benefit to the long-term unemployed who are seeking work, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions referred to pensioners living in houses that were too big for them and that they were unable to look after. Does that not give away what is really behind these benefit changes-that the pensioners and the poorest in our communities are going to pay the price?

5. Local Government Financing (29th June 2010)

Clive's question transcript:

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I am not sure whether I heard it right, but I believe that we have just heard an announcement of a £1 billion fund. I wonder why that was not announced in a statement to the House.