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Paul Rowen MP's Letter from Parliament 27th November 2009

This week has seen the conclusion of the debate on the Queen’s Speech with votes on its content on Wednesday and Thursday. Both the content of the speech and the debate followed fairly predictable lines having been widely trailed.

Frank Dobson, the veteran Labour MP for Holborn, gave the wittiest and funniest speech in what was in the main a lacklustre programme from a government that has run out of steam and ideas.

Several of the bills in the Queen’s Speech have already been widely condemned, such as the Social Care Bill, which was heavily criticised by Labour Peers in the House of Lords. This bill promises free social care for up to 450,000 older people. However, nothing is “free” and there is widespread concern that existing support like Disability Living Allowance will be used to pay for it. The Health Secretary Andy Burnham has already admitted that research into cancer and dementia will be cut to help pay for it. As with much that this government does it unravels even before the ink is dry!

Last Thursday the Public Administration Select Committee, of which I am a member, held a hearing on the 2012 Census. There had been much speculation about some of the new questions on immigration and a person’s sexuality. Both sets of questions are, in my view, there for political reasons rather than practical reasons. A ten year count of immigrants for example is not the best way of keeping track of who is coming and going into this country.

Last Friday I was privileged to attend Wardle St James CofE Primary School to present them with their Level 2 certificate on the rights of young people. St James is a national leader in this area and it was a pleasure to see young people so actively engaged in their community.

I followed this with a meeting with United Utilities, British Waterways, John Kay and Peter Evans about the lack of water for the Rochdale Canal. This is having an important impact on the economic development both at Durn, Littleborough and Trub, Castleton. I am following this up with meetings with Rochdale Council and Frances Done, former Chief Executive of Rochdale Council. Frances is Chair of the British Waterways Trust which owns Rochdale Canal.

On Friday night I attended the Lourdes fundraiser at the Cricket Club to raise funds for the annual Diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes.

Tomorrow I am due to attend the annual Springhill Man of the Year Luncheon, an important fundraiser for the Hospice.