Prevention of Ill Health: Government Vision

John Bercow Excerpts

Monday 5th November 2018 Commons Chamber

[Several hon. Members rose—]

[Mr Speaker]

I am grateful to the Secretary of State for what he has just said. A lot of Members wish to take part in this exchange, but I remind the House that there are two debates to follow. The Government have chosen to put on two ministerial statements, which is entirely their prerogative. Naturally, people do then tend to stand to ask questions, as that is what we do here, but I have also to protect the subsequent business. I therefore politely say to colleagues: if you have a long question in mind, cut it or do not bother. That would be really helpful. Let us start with the Chair of the Select Committee, Dr Sarah Wollaston.

[Dr Sarah Wollaston (Totnes) (Con)]

In the Secretary of State’s vision for prevention he rightly points out that £14 of social benefit accrues from every £1 spent in public health. Therefore it is going to be much more challenging for him to deliver on his objectives if there is a further transfer from the public health budgets into NHS England budgets. However, I recognise that this requires action across all Departments, so will he set out what he is going to do to encourage cross-government action on physical activity, because we all know that that is a vital part of public health and prevention?

--- Later in debate ---

[Several hon. Members rose—]

[Mr Speaker]

Order. The Chair will be keen to move on to the main business at 6 o’clock, or very close thereto, so if people have questions in mind, will they think about how they can shave them?

[Bim Afolami (Hitchin and Harpenden) (Con)]

I welcome the Secretary of State’s statement. Will he outline what his views are for community pharmacy as part of the strategy of prevention?

--- Later in debate ---

[Matt Hancock]

I will actually be in Derbyshire later this month visiting a neighbouring constituency, but it looks like I have just put another stop on the itinerary.

[Mr Speaker]

I am quite certain that the Secretary of State will want to visit the hon. Lady’s constituency.

[Christian Matheson (City of Chester) (Lab)]

I welcome the focus on prevention. Of course, the next best thing is early diagnosis. Will the Secretary of State look again and remove the arbitrary age limit of 25 for women’s smear tests?