CLOSURE OF MEDICAL EXAMINATION CENTRES

Early day motion 442, tabled 28 June 2005 by Paul Holmes (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 32 members.

That this House regrets Atos Origin's announcement of the proposed closure of 21 medical examination centres across the country, especially those in Chesterfield and Derby, but also including Barnsley, Bolton, Bradford, Cambridge, Catford, Colchester, Derby, Dorchester, Greenock, Hartlepool, Oxford, Stirling, Chelmsford, Darlington, Durham, Lewisham, Middlesbrough, Seven Sisters, Sunderland and Thornton Heath; expresses dismay and opposition to this decision that will force many claimants to travel long distances; recognises that this will cause considerable and unnecessary distress to those who are unable to work due to illness or disability; further regrets that Atos Origin's decision is driven by profit at the expense of some of the most vulnerable members of society; and calls upon the Government and Atos Origin to abandon consideration of these detrimental closures.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 20, Labour 10, DUP 1, Plaid Cymru 1.