KEETCH TO TAKE CANCER CARE IN HEREFORDSHIRE TO THE FLOOR OF THE HOUSE

2.52.59pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 22nd May 2006

Following recent concern over the prescription of life saving cancer drugs and a local campaign to cut the 'misery cancer miles' in Herefordshire, West Midlands Liberal Democrats MP, Paul Keetch is taking his constituents' worries to the floor of the House of Commons.

Mr Keetch has been selected from a ballot with other MPs to propose an Adjournment Debate in Westminster Hall on the availability of cancer care treatment throughout the county.

Commenting on the forthcoming debate, Mr Keetch said "It is over six months ago since I tackled the Health Secretary in the Commons over the availability of cancer drugs, like Velcade, in Herefordshire and as yet still nothing has been done. Why are we continuing to witness post-code prescribing rather than local decision making?

"But not only are my constituents being denied life saving cancer drugs, many sufferers are being forced to travel great distances to receive vital radiotherapy care as well. This situation cannot continue and something must be done.

"Cancer is a national killer, with an estimated one in three people being diagnosed with the disease at some stage in their life. The Government needs to address these issues - everybody should have an equal right to life and equal right to care and treatment. I shall be raising my concerns with the Minister in the debate."

ENDS

Notes to Editors

The Adjournment Debate will take place on Tuesday 23rd May 2006 at 12.30 - 1pm.