Update from Linda Gilroy MP 3 July 2009
Posted by Linda Gilroy, MP for Plymouth, Sutton, at 08:42, Fri 3 July 2009:
Thought for the Week
Building Britain's Future
Earlier this week, the Prime Minister published 'Building Britain’s Future', which is the Government's vision for a fairer, stronger and more prosperous society. It includes public service guarentees to parents, patients and communities and new measures to drive economic growth and create jobs - relfecting the Prime Minister's personal conviction that it is necessary to grow and invest - rather than cut - our way out of recession. These will be implemented in Bills set out in the draft legislative programme 2009-2010 which will be in the next Queen's Speech.
The new industrial policy, to put us in the front foot for recovery, was very much on our agenda at the meeting of the South West Regional Economic Task Group (SWRETG) which I chaired on Monday in Bristol in my new role as Assistant Minister for the South West. Jim Knight, the South West Minister, had to be at Westminster for Work and Pensions Questions - but joined us at the beginning of the meeting by video link.
I am looking forward to accompanying Ben Bradshaw (new cabinet Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport) on a visit to Plymouth on Monday to discuss the draft legislative programme and to see important work to prepare people for - and help them back into - work.
My Week At A Glance
Fairer Water Bills
As discussed in last week's email, Monday saw the publication of the interim findings of the Walker Review of Water Metering and Charging. Anna Walker proposes extending WaterSure (which is a scheme to reduce the costs of water charges for those on low incomes who have extra water needs) to those Council Tax benefit, which could mean a drop in costs of around £170 for some 80,000 households in Devon and Cornwall. This would make a real difference for some of the poorest people in Plymouth, but I am also aware that the high water bills impact on everyone, not just those on benefit. That is why I am also very interested in Anna Walker's recommendation that the Government should open a debate on whether environmental projects, such as the cleaning of beaches, should be paid by the local water customer, or spread out nationally. I will be arguing very strongly that our beaches are a national resource, enjoyed by people throughout the country (especially this time of year). I will be meeting with the Water Minister next week and with the Prime Minister in the next couple of months. I had the chance to raise this in Defra questions on Thursday.
Royal Marines Homecoming
On Monday I joined fellow MPs and Peers in welcoming 3 Commando Bridge Royal Marines to Parliament following their return from Afghanistan. It was Parliament who sent them to Afghanistan, so it is only right that we had the chance to show our appreciation. They marched into the Palace of Westminster accompanied by The Band of HM Royal Marines, where they received a huge round of applause. I was particularly pleased to be able to speak to some of them who were from Plymouth.
Asbestos Related Diseases
On Wednesday I sat on a Committee that examined the Damages (Asbestos-Related Conditions) Bill, which is being introduced from the backbenches by Labour MP Andrew Dismore. It seeks to reestablish recognition of pleural plaques - a scarring of the lungs caused by exposure to asbestos - as a compensatable illness. Asbestos related illnesses are a serious concern for many families living in Plymouth, due in part of exposure incurred through work in the dockyard. You can read more about the background to this issue at www.lindagilroy.org.uk/pleural-plaques
Dangerous Dogs
On Wednesday I was present in the chamber for a Ten-Minute Rule Bill (which is in reality a short debate) on so-called "status dogs", which is also an issue that people from Plymouth have contacted me about. The RSCPA have been campaigning for some time against the use of dogs which are kept to intimidate or attack people and other animals and are seeking for an update to the Dangerous Dogs Act. At the moment, if a dog attacks in a public place, the owner can be prosecuted. However, this is not the case if the attack takes place on private property. This campaign is motivated by a 12-fold increase in the number of complaints about dog-fighting between 2004-2008, together with a number of serious attacks against post men and other people whose work takes them into private property.
Post Offices
I am very concerned about the forthcoming closure of the post office in Derrys in Plymouth City Centre, especially considering the closure of four other branches last year. As part of my campaign I will be sending out a number of surveys to various residents most affected by the changes. You can also help by letting me know how the closure of the Derrys branch will affect you? If you live in Pennycomequick or one of the other areas which has recently lost a branch how have you coped? Which post office do you use now?
Looking ahead
Next week will see several more sittings of the Marine Bill Committee which started this week together with the aforementioned meeting with the Water Minister. You can keep up to date at www.lindagilroy.org.uk/news
Comments
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Posted by Martin Goddard, 11:08, Fri 3 July 2009: (Is this post abusive?) #
Having read Linda Gilroy's 'POST' you realise how hard MP's have to work for us during the week and travelling! Martin