As an Independent MP it is up to me to find out about changes in dates of the Parliamentary calendar. Unfortunately I did not keep my ear close enough to the ground two weeks ago and so sadly I did not learn that the Easter Recess had been postponed until after I had booked a brief holiday for myself and family.

Consequently I am writing this on a delayed Great Western train stationary on Plymouth station suffering from engine trouble on its way to Paddington. I am returning to London for a vital extra Health Committee meeting and for the conclusion of the Budget debate and votes.

Events last week centred on Iraq and the Budget. The first phase of the war appears to be over. We can now only hope that law and order is returned as soon as possible without more loss of life and that terrorism will not be unleashed as more of the Iraqis recognise and appreciate that occupation by USA and UK forces does represent the first step in the return to democracy and freedom. Regarding the Budget we can only hope that the Chancellor’s critics who say his forecasts are too optimistic are wrong. I expect to vote with the Government over the Budget because I support the extra resources for public services. If this does lead to higher taxation then this should be directed to those who could afford it.

Representatives from charities working for patients with schizophrenia are concerned about the poor record of the implementation of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommendations for the provision of the newer drugs that control schizophrenia. These are effective with less severe side effects than the older drugs but they are more expensive.

I took part in a debate on the Health Committee’s Report on NICE. I was able to ask the Health Minister, Hazel Blears MP, about public involvement with NICE and was glad to hear that the 30-strong Citizens’ Council has met and there are expectations that it will be independent and effective with its advice to NICE. The Minister was unable to allay my fears about the affordability of NICE recommendations or that implementation, now compulsory, is variable across the country and may in some places actually interfere with local priorities. One of the recurrent answers from Government Ministers when questioned about funding issues related to health, education or other public services is that the relevant authority has been given adequate resources as a part of the Government’s funding increases. This neglects the local view that increases in funding have not restored existing inequities or have been absorbed by outstanding debts and leave little or no resources for developments such as, in the NHS, the implementation of NICE recommendations and compliance with Government targets.

R.T.