Letter from Parliament - Paul Rowen MP

Date published: 15 October 2009

Parliament returned this week and predictably the Expenses row returned with MPs each receiving a letter from Sir Thomas Legg QC. He had been asked by the three party leaders to review MP’s use of the Additional Costs Allowance. I was told that my claims were ok and I had no repayments to make.

Also this week, the Prime Minister announced the sale of more Government assets to try and reduce the public debt. This was not so much a sale of the family silver as the sale of the family tupperware as the silver has already been sold! I’m particularly concerned about the sale of the student loan book and have tabled questions seeking assurances that the sale will not result in students being charged higher interest rates.

This week, I met Ted Stead from the Communications Workers Union. Ted is the Convenor at the Rochdale Sorting Office. I am very concerned at the attitude of Royal Mail management who are refusing to meet with staff. I have written to Postal Services Minister Pat McFadden MP raising my concerns.

This week, the National Autistic Society launched its ‘Don’t write me off campaign’. I have tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) supporting the campaign and have several concerns locally about the support and help that is available for autistic youngsters and adults. There is discrimination and a lack of understanding by those in authority and hopefully this campaign will help address that.

Prior to the closure of the Oldham Loop line, I had warned Northern Rail that as they were not putting on any extra carriages it would result in chaos at peak times as people were unable to get to work. My office has been monitoring the situation last week and the predictable chaos ensured. The problem had arisen because the government, which is saving millions from the loopline closure, refused to pay Northern to put the carriages on the Calderdale Line. I met Councillor Keith Whitmore, Chair of the Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority on Tuesday and told him of the problems. He had a hasty meeting with his officers before telling me that the ITA would fund the extra cost to put the carriages on the Calderdale line. Negotiations are now taking place with the Department of Transport and Northern Rail and I hope the carriages will be on the line shortly.

Most Fridays I am in Rochdale but this Friday I stayed in London as the Private Members bill restoring compensation payments for pleural plaques was having its third reading. This is an important bill affecting scores of people in Rochdale and I am determined to see it passed.

Last Saturday, I attended an excellent concert organised by Jonathan Middleton and his wife to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of St Vincent’s School. Students from the Royal Northern College and Cheetham’s School of Music played and the standard was excellent.

On Saturday (17 October) I am due to attend the Springhill Hospice Masquerade Ball with Councillor Angela Coric at the Town Hall.