15 July 2011
Good to be alerted by political monitor DeHavilland to the fact that APPG Vice Chair Ian Swales is taking every opportunity to mention M.E. in the Commons, even in debates where health is not the main issue.
Hansard reports his question yesterday to Sir George Young, Leader of the House:
Ian Swales: In areas as diverse as energy-intensive industries and children with myalgic encephalomyelitis, the issues cross two or more Departments, whereas debates are traditionally answered by one Department. Will the Leader of the House investigate how cross-departmental issues can be better covered by this House in future?
Sir George Young: The hon. Gentleman may know that in the last Parliament, we had cross-cutting questions in Westminster Hall. The issues that he raises might therefore be dealt with by the House. I think I am right to say that that experiment was not an outstanding success and that that is why it lapsed. It might be worth looking at again, and perhaps the Procedure Committee or the Backbench Business Committee could do that.
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