For those who have not seen my report on the Shuttle's web page on the House of lords Reform votes I voted in favour of a hybrid House (60% elected, 40% appointed and the 50/50 alternative) because knowing how effective the existing Second Chamber has been I believe it is essential to retain a proportion of appointed members to ensure the presence of experts and independent members. This would be difficult to achieve under an electoral system.

I did not obtain all the answers I hoped for during my debate on the NHS and the private sector last week. 

The question I am going to pursue concerns the threat from European competition law as the NHS has been opened up to competition probably sufficiently for it to be caught by this European legislation which would pose real threats to the continuation of parts of the NHS as we have known it.

I was disappointed by the debate last Monday on NHS deficits following the publication of the Health Committee Report on this subject. 

The report is highly critical of the Government's role in allowing deficits to occur despite extra investment in the NHS. However to my amazement I was one of the few Members who pointed this out. 
I believe that my criticisms, without any party political motive, carry more weight and certainly Mr Speaker is generous to me, calling me on health issues allowing me to make these points.

I was delighted to watch the Harriers take the first exciting step towards the Carlsberg Trophy final expected to be played at Wembley. 
I cannot follow them to Northwich but I wish them and the travelling supporters well as to play in one of the very first really important matches at new Wembley would be historic and of great benefit to our Club.

The Citizens Advice Bureau has pointed out to me the risks people in debt may take if they involve themselves with sometimes unregulated organisations that offer loans or fast cash on the sale of property. 
Please, if you have problems with debt, do approach the CAB first.

Today is the Trident vote. 
I shall support the Labour rebel's amendment that the case is not yet proven for the need for an early decision on the updating of Trident. 

Most people who have written to me, including local churches, have asked me also to vote against the substantive Government motion for renewal.

This I will do as I believe my duty on this issue is to vote according to the wishes of most people as expressed to me. 

My reservations about this idealistic view have been countered by a thoughtful leader in The Guardian that ends ...

"Those who oppose them altogether can vote against secure in the knowledge that there is no longer any certain conflict between their moral position and the security of the country."