David Amess

On Friday 7^th August 2009 David Amess MP joined former Essex and England cricket captain Graham Gooch and the Mayor to open the new electronic scoreboard at Garon Park. They were also joined by the Mayoress of Southend as well as the Mayor of Rochford and Phillip Tollhurst, senior trustee of the Norman Garon Trust.

The new scoreboard is the crowning glory to the cricket pitch at Garon Park which has seen crowds of people gather over the past week to enjoy the Essex Auto Group Southend Cricket Festival. Many of the contributors to the Essex And Southend Sports Trust (EASST) public appeal for improved facilities at Garon Park gathered to watch the opening including trustees from the Norman Garon Trust.

The new electronic scoreboard is attached to a magnificent wood-framed storage barn which is in keeping with the site’s farming history. The new building provides Southend with a structure that is unique on the county circuit.

Yesterday David Amess, Member of Parliament for Southend West, raised a

number of topical and local issues in the Summer Adjournment Debate.

In a wide-ranging speech Mr Amess commented on:

• Male breast cancer
• The treatment of minor ailments by the NHS
• The effect of the recession on care home residents
• Paralympic funding (specifically for local resident Jo-Jo Cranfield)
• The effect of the Learning and Skills Council financial collapse on proposed training programmes for constituents
• The salaries and allowances for police chief constables
• The treatment of local resident Mrs Katie Greatorex by the police authorities
• Increase in seat belt fines
• Car clamping
• Southend Airport
• Funding for the Maldives
• Government’s slow response to constituent inquiries

A record of Mr Amess’ remarks is given in full below.

21^st July 2009

7.48 pm

Mr. David Amess (Southend, West) (Con): I wish to raise several points before the House adjourns for the summer recess.

Nicky Avery, 27, became the youngest man ever to be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. His mother is a constituent of mine, and I very much hope that the Government will raise awareness of this disease among young men.

The Proprietary Association of Great Britain has advised me that the top 10 minor ailments account for 75 per cent. of consultations. I agree with that organisation’s view that we need to have increasing responsibility for taking care of our own health by treating minor ailments in the knowledge that the NHS is really there for more life-threatening and serious conditions.

I have in my constituency the greatest number of centenarians in the country. I hope that this autumn we will again be successful with the “Guinness Book of Records” attempt at the greatest gathering. Many of these elderly people are in care homes, which are dependent on residential fees. Have the Government taken into account the fact that many elderly widows, for instance, are unable to sell their homes because of the recession?

Last week, I was privileged to attend Belfairs high school’s prize giving. There was a young lady there called Jo-Jo Cranfield. She was born with her left lower arm missing and she is a remarkable athlete. She missed out on going to Beijing by 0.06 seconds and she is the second fastest swimmer in her discipline in the country. She has a place at Millfield school, but she desperately needs funding, so I greatly hope that someone, somewhere will come up with assistance for her—not least the Government, who say that they will do everything they can to support gifted and talented athletes.

An organisation called PERA has advised me that numerous companies in south Essex, including Ford in Dagenham, have been preparing to deliver training to 1,700 people—more than 100 are in Southend, West—only for the Learning and Skills Council’s financial collapse to bring a halt to the programme. I hope that the Government will intervene on the matter.

I draw the House’s attention to an article, which appeared in The Times on 6 July, about chief constables’ salaries. Senior police officers apparently receive off-book payments and secret perks, which total hundreds of thousands of pounds. The House has come under great scrutiny, and I welcome the fact that all sorts of other publicly funded bodies are coming under scrutiny. Our local chief constable in Essex was paid slightly more than the Prime Minister. Yet again, we have a chief constable taking early retirement in Essex. We have had several senior officers; it is like a merry-go-round—one minute, one person is in place, the next, someone else is there. If police authorities are to be worth their salt,
21 July 2009 : Column 819
there should be much greater scrutiny. The Independent Police Complaints Commission should also be given more teeth.

It is a shocking state of affairs when police constables come to MPs’ surgeries, complaining about their treatment by the police authorities. That illustrates their powerlessness. Mrs. Katie Greatorex—she said I could name her—has suffered the most appalling harassment, including death threats. She has been arrested and bailed without evidence and she came to my surgery with a long-serving police officer. Her ex-husband is a serving police constable. A proper investigation has not taken place, despite forensic evidence, so I hope that the Deputy Leader of the House will pass that on to the Home Secretary.

Seat belts were once debated at great length in the House, and many hon. Members were against their being compulsory—they were mistaken. The fine for non-compliance used to be £30. I have tabled several questions about that and I shall take credit for the fine’s increase to £60. I also support the fitting of seat belt reminders on all new cars.

A disgraceful incident took place recently, whereby a community nurse parked her vehicle in a development at the end of Hamlet Court road because she was treating a terminally ill patient—incidentally, the patient died—and the nurse was charged £483 by LBS Enforcement Ltd for her car’s release. I am currently achieving nothing with that.

I heard the comments of my hon. Friend the Member for Rochford and Southend, East (James Duddridge) about Southend airport. It is a difficult issue and I am glad that the owners of the new airport are meeting local community representatives. They must convince them that any increase in flights must mean quieter flights than at present and that the road changes will take place without disruption.

I was recently made chairman of the all-party group on the Maldives. The high commissioner said that no funding has been received from the Department for International Development and that she cannot get a meeting with the relevant Minister. I hope that the Deputy Leader of the House can pass on the message.

There has been controversy about slow answers to questions. I received an answer from a Treasury Minister, dated 1 July 2009, responding to a constituent’s inquiry on 30 September 2008. An apology is not sufficient.

The House is in a state of drift, there is confusion about swine flu and we have heard about difficulties in Afghanistan. The sooner we have a general election, the better. Before then, I wish all my colleagues and all those who serve the House a very happy summer.

David Amess, Member of Parliament for Southend West, attended the All Party Parliamentary Scout Group yesterday, of which he is co-Chairman, to support the Scouts regarding the consequences of changes in water charging for Scout Groups.

Mr Amess commented: ‘Changes implemented by Ofwat have resulted in Scout Groups facing massive increases in their water bills for surface water drainage. Whilst a temporary moratorium have been granted in certain areas, a long-term solution has still to be found, with Ofwat refusing to meaningfully engage in the issue and acknowledge the scale of the problem. Heavy rainfall will have severe financial consequences for local Scout Groups and I strongly support the Scouts in their efforts to find a solution to this problem. I was able to raise this matter in the House on 2^nd April and will continue to campaign on this very important issue.’

A copy of Mr Amess’ remarks on 2^nd April and the minister’s response is given below.

The attached picture is of Mr Amess meeting with local Scouts outside the Palace of Westminster.

2 Apr 2009 : Column 1039

Surface Water Charges

4. Mr. David Amess (Southend, West) (Con): What progress he has made in his consideration of options for mitigating the effects on water customers of increases in surface water charges. [268327]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Huw Irranca-Davies): I am pleased to report that United Utilities, about which most of the complaints on this issue have arisen, has in light of representations received taken steps to resolve the problem of disproportionate increases for faith buildings, community amateur sports clubs, scout
2 Apr 2009 : Column 1040
associations and so on, by reverting to charges based on 2007-08 for those customers—that is, back to rateable value.

Mr. Amess: I am sort of reassured. I have the honour of being joint chairman of the all-party Scout Association group, and the information that the Scouts have given me is a little different from what the Minister has said. They and other charities have clearly made the point that surface water charges in such difficult economic times have damaging effects on voluntary organisations. They have also brought it to my attention that Ofwat has refused to meet the water companies. They are worried that, next year, when the moratorium is lifted, the charges will be crippling because they will be treated the same as multinational companies.

Huw Irranca-Davies: I should declare an interest as the former president of the West Glamorgan Scout Association. We are not out of the woods yet— [Interruption.] I am sorry; that was not a deliberate pun. The principle of surface water charging, whereby a proportionate element is charged to everyone for discharging water is right; otherwise we would have cross-subsidies and would have to get into the question of which organisations should be exempt. Four companies have introduced surface water charging, which, by and large, has been well received because they dealt with it sensitively. Lessons have been learned and the regulator has been fully involved, but we need to keep a close eye on the matter. The regulatory principles and the need to deal sensitively with all community associations are clear. I will personally ensure that that happens and so will the regulator. I encourage any hon. Member of any party who is currently experiencing problems to take the matter first to the water companies, and by all means to bring it to me as well.

Yesterday David Amess MP joined Mencap and the 11 times Paralympic gold medallist Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson to call for an increase in the number of Changing Places toilets available in Southend West and across the UK.

Standard disabled toilets do not meet the needs of all people with a disability. There are over 230,000 people who need to use a Changing Places toilet in the UK and yet only 85 Changing Places toilets are available.

Changing Places toilets are toilets which have enough space for the person with a disability and their carers, and the right equipment which includes an adult sized height-adjustable changing bench and a hoist. Without them people who need support from one or two carers to use the toilet or to have their continence pad changed either have to stay at home or their family carers have to resort to changing them on dirty toilet floors.

A British Standard published earlier this year, recommended that Changing Places toilets should be installed in larger buildings and complexes such as shopping centres, airports and motorway services, large railway stations and key buildings within town centres. However, this standard is not compulsory and that is why Mencap is calling on the Government to make the provision of Changing Places toilets in large newly built public buildings a legal requirement.

David Amess MP commented, “We all take being able to go out to the shops or to our local leisure centre for granted and yet there are nearly a quarter of a million people whose lives are severely restricted by not having the right toilet facilities. It is certainly dangerous, unhygienic and undignified for anyone to have to be changed on toilet floors and this is why I am supporting Mencap’s campaign to change thousands of people’s lives. This is why I have also written to Southend Borough Council to ask whether they will consider installing further Changing Places toilets in and around Southend West.”

· To find the location of your nearest Changing Places toilet go to www.changing-places.org/where

On the afternoon of Tuesday 23^rd June David Amess MP presented the Senior Volunteer Hero of the Year award to Sister Conleth of Nazareth House care home, Southend-on-Sea. The award was presented at the MP’s Heroes Tea Party held in the House of Commons and organised by the Experience Corps.

Local heroes from across Britain were celebrated by their MPs at the annual awards. Sister Conleth and the other attendees were treated to high tea and cake whilst they listened to a speech of thanks for their hard work given by David Blunkett MP, the former Home Secretary. Afterwards David Amess MP presented Sister Conleth with her award and certificate of thanks before giving her and her brother, whom she brought as a guest and had travelled all the way from Ireland for the occasion, a brief tour of the House of Commons.

Sister Conleth was nominated by David Amess MP, a long-time supporter of Nazareth House, to be recognised by the Experience Corps for the countless hours of time and dedication she has contributed to the local community and specifically to the residents of Nazareth House. Sister Conleth has been Superior at Nazareth House in Southend since 2006. She spent the early years of her religious life in catering and finance management and has since worked tirelessly to update residents’ accommodation and improve the quality of food being served.

The Experience Corps is an organisation which recognises the dedication and self-sacrifice of older volunteers.

David Amess MP has pledged to fight for the future of newsagents in Southend West. His commitment came after it was revealed that traditional newsagents are being forced to shut up shop at a rate of more than one every day.

Developments in the news distribution industry – the businesses that deliver newspapers and magazines – have left most newsagents with no choice over who supplies them. Shop owners fear that the lack of competition will leave them with no alternative supplier and vulnerable to increased costs.

Last week almost 800 newsagents delivered a petition to the Office of Fair Trading demanding urgent action to protect competition in the news distribution industry.

David Amess MP today threw his weight behind the campaign to save Britain’s newsagents. He said, “Traditional newsagents are the backbone of our community. They deliver a vital service and are a friendly face that many people rely on every day. It is shocking and unacceptable that so many newsagents are facing an uphill struggle to survive. I am happy to pledge my support to the numerous newsagents which dependably serve the people of Southend West.”

-ENDS-

David Amess MP today warned local 18-30s about the dangers of burning in the sun after learning more about sun safety from experts at Cancer Research UK.

The Southend West MP attended the annual ‘Molewatch Clinic’ at Westminster last week where he was given a clear warning message about the risk posed by sunburn.

Malignant melanoma – the most serious form of skin cancer – is now the most common cancer in women in their 20s*. Overall the disease kills around 2,000 people every year but rates are predicted to rise. MPs were urged to share their findings with all their constituents that getting a painful sunburn just once every two years can triple the risk of this most dangerous form of skin cancer.**

It is vital to be aware of any changes on your skin, say experts from Cancer Research UK. The charity advises anyone who notices a change in the size, colour or shape of an existing mole or patch of skin to have it checked out by a GP – especially if they are fair-skinned and/or have lots of moles or freckles.

David Amess commented “I was shocked to learn that experts believe binge tanning, usually on foreign holidays, is contributing to the alarming rise in this life-threatening disease. It’s vital for people to know that wherever they are, they need to take simple measures to protect their skin by covering up, spending time in the shade (especially between 11am and 3pm) and using at least SPF 15 sunscreen. Even minor sunburn can be a sign of permanent damage.”

“Cancer Research UK’s Molewatch Clinic has underlined how important it is to enjoy the sun safely and to avoid burning.”

Katy Scammell, Cancer Research UK’s SunSmart campaign manager, said: “Whether abroad or at home this summer, don’t let sunburn catch you out. Use shade, clothing and at least SPF 15 sunscreen to protect yourself from sunburn.

“Melanomas can grow anywhere on the body so it’s crucial to check all areas of your skin regularly for any unusual changes, as the disease is much easier to treat when it’s spotted earlier.

“Anyone with concerns about a particular mole, freckle or patch of skin that has changed over a period of weeks or months should make sure they speak to their GP as soon as possible.”

Cancer Research UK’s SunSmart campaign encourages people to know their skin type and use the UV index to find out when they need to protect themselves.

It offers guidelines on how to be sensible in the sun:

- S pend time in the shade between 11 and 3

- M ake sure you never burn

- A im to cover up with a t-shirt, hat and sunglasses

- R emember to take extra care with children

- T hen use factor 15+ sunscreen

Also report mole changes or unusual skin growths promptly to your doctor.

For information on skin cancer and the Cancer Research UK SunSmart campaign visit: www.sunsmart.org.uk

ENDS

For media inquiries, please contact the Cancer Research UK press office on 020 7061 8300.

Notes to Editors:

* New research from Cancer Research UK and the Department of Health (2008) http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/news/archive/pressreleases/2009/april/skin-cancer

** (References: Dennis et al, 2008. Sunburns and Risk of Cutaneous Melanoma: Does Age Matter? A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis).

SunSmart is the UK’s national skin cancer prevention campaign commissioned by the UK Health Departments and run by Cancer Research UK.

§ Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK.

§ There are more skin cancer deaths in the UK than in Australia, even though Australia has more cases of the disease.

• The number of skin cancer cases is increasing year on year. The main risk factor for skin cancer is exposure to sunlight. Up to 90% of skin cancers could be prevented by being SunSmart.
• More than 75,000 new cases of skin cancer are registered each year in the UK but it is estimated that the actual number is at least 100,000.
• Around 9,000 cases of malignant melanoma are diagnosed each year in the UK. Incidence rates of this form of skin cancer have quadrupled since the 1970s. Around 2,000 people a year die from malignant melanoma.

On the evening of Saturday 25^th April 2009, David Amess MP attended the East Division Quarter Final of the All England Theatre Festival. Southend Drama Society won the competition against the Woodhouse Players of the Waltham Forest Festival, performing a play called ‘The Last Bread Pudding’. The event was held at The Eastwood Studio Theatre in Leigh-on-Sea.

The contest, which was adjudicated by John Scowen of the Association Guild of Drama Adjudicators, was exceptionally well attended. Mr Amess said: ‘I was privileged to attend the quarter-finals of the All England Theatre Festival. Both plays were of the highest standard and I was thrilled that the adjudicator chose Southend Drama Society as the winner. They now go through to the semi-final on 23^rd May at this same location. I congratulate all concerned.’

David Amess MP is pictured with Frank McGrath OBE, the Chairman and Festival Organiser, along with Florrie Holland, the Chairman of Southend-on-Sea Arts Council, and the rest of the cast.

-ENDS-

Notes to the Editor

For more information please contact the office of David Amess MP on 020 7219 3452

On the afternoon of Tuesday 23^rd June David Amess MP will present the older Volunteer Hero of the Year award to Sister Conleth of Nazareth House care home in Southend-on-Sea. The award will be presented at an MP’s Heroes Tea Party in the House of Commons which has been organised by the Experience Corps.

Sister Conleth has been Superior at Nazareth House is Southend since 2006. She spent the early years of her religious life in catering and finance management and has since worked tirelessly to update residents’ accommodation and improve the quality of food being served. Mr Amess, a long-time supporter of the Nazareth House, nominated Sister Conleth and will be delighted to present the award.

The Experience Corps is an organisation which recognises the dedication and self-sacrifice of older volunteers.

Welcome to the website of David Amess, Member of Parliament for Southend West.

If you need David’s help please write to him at the following address:

David Amess MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA

Alternatively you can book a surgery appointment by telephoning his constituency office on (01702) 472 391