Business of the House

Debate between Steve McCabe and David Heath

Thursday 1st July 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr Heath]

Paediatric cardiac services are of considerable importance. Health Ministers are reviewing the situation at the moment—[Interruption.] The hon. Member for Bolsover (Mr Skinner) is complaining that the Government are holding reviews. He was around in 1997, but let me remind him that the Labour Government announced 38 reviews between 1 May and 27 June 1997. One former Cabinet Minister said at the time:

“We have hit the ground reviewing.”

We have hit the ground reforming.

[Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Selly Oak) (Lab)]

I am keen to help the Government to cut waste and extravagance. In that context, does the Deputy Leader of the House have an estimate of the cost to my constituents of the Government’s direction that Birmingham council must now publish all spending details online? Indeed, in these cash-strapped times, should we not have a debate on the cost to local authorities of that new Government imposition?

[Mr Heath]

I think I hear from the hon. Gentleman that he does not think his constituents ought easily to be able to find out what a large council, which runs many affairs in his area, spends on their behalf. I differ from that view. I do not believe that a debate would be greatly useful, but perhaps he would like to apply for one.