Queen's Speech Debate: Economic Affairs
8th June 2010
Margot James calls on the Shadow Chancellor to clarify his party's position on the proposed spending reductions in light of a freedom of information request, before the election, that revealed plans for significant NHS cuts in the West Midlands.
Margot James: Will the shadow Chancellor clarify his party's position on our proposed spending reductions? Before the general election, it was my distinct impression that the Opposition were planning public expenditure cuts of up to 25% across some Departments. In my constituency of Stourbridge, we were extremely concerned when the results of a freedom of information request on the NHS in the west midlands revealed plans for significant cuts to doctors, nurses and beds in our area. By anyone's definition, they must be front-line services.
Mr Darling: I agree with that. If the hon. Lady is worried about spending cuts, she is going to have an interesting time over the next few months. I look forward to the exchanges that she has at future Question Times.
