Business of the House

Patricia Ferguson Excerpts

Thursday 22nd October 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

The Government recognise that parents’ experiences of the Child Maintenance Service do not meet the standards that should be expected. There are sometimes difficult issues to address, but the expected standards are simply not being met, and that is why we have committed to reforming the system. I will ensure that the relevant Minister has heard what the hon. Lady has said today.

[Patricia Ferguson (Glasgow West) (Lab)]

Skin cancer is the UK’s most common cancer, yet it is preventable in around 90% of cases simply through the regular application of sunscreen. Given the importance of preventing skin cancer, will the Leader of the House make time for a debate on the VAT charged on sunscreen so that Members can consider the public health case for making lifesaving sunscreen more affordable?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

My hon. Friend raises important matters, and I pay tribute to her for that. Prevention is an important part of tackling skin cancer. Sun cream is already VAT zero-rated when prescribed by a registered health professional, but I will ensure that the Chancellor hears her words. As I said at the beginning, there will be four days of debate on the Budget beginning next week, and my hon. Friend might want to raise these matters then.