Article for The Clarion

12.00.00am GMT Sat 1st Mar 2003

Annette Brooke

At the time of writing, the situation regarding Iraq is very uncertain and is rapidly changing. I remain concerned about military action without a second Security Council Resolution, a full debate and a vote in the House of Commons. However, I would like to make it clear that if war is declared my support for our troops will be absolute.

I have also spent some time recently debating the future of our post offices in a Westminster Hall debate. It is so important to make sure that we do not lose our local services. From April 2003 benefits currently collected in cash from the Post Office will gradually be changed to a system whereby they are paid through the banking system. There is only one option which absolutely guarantees that cash will be collected from the Post office and that is the post office card account. However, there is clear evidence that this is not being promoted as strongly as it might through various Government agencies. Also, I am campaigning with the Royal National Institute for the Blind for the replacement of pin pads already installed in local post offices. These have to be used to access cash with a card and the current machines are totally unsuitable for partially sighted people and those with other disabilities such as arthritis. At present, providing benefits in cash generates a large portion of post offices' income and therefore it is vital that everything is done to support such services.

Of further concern is the future of our community pharmacies. There is currently consultation on a proposal to abolish the regulations controlling which pharmacies are entitled to provide NHS services. If this proposal goes ahead there may well be additional pharmacies in some locations such as within supermarkets. However, small local neighbourhood pharmacies could be adversely affected. I have received a large petition from Upton residents and I will be personally presenting this to the Department of Health and copying it to the Department of Trade and Industry and the Office of Fair Trading with a letter from me. I have recently attended an important seminar on the issue, have supported an early day motion and intend to speak in a debate.

I continue to be very concerned about the impact of Council Tax on local residents. I was fortunate enough to secure an adjournment debate in February which I entitled 'The system of Council Tax and its impact on pensioners in Dorset'. I put forward a strong case as to why the Government needed to treat Dorset better but unfortunately there has not been any positive response. I have also attended 3 meetings with Ministers together with other MPs from Dorset and I have written many letters. I certainly will continue fighting our case for a fair deal. Our schools and other services are badly funded in relation to many other parts of the country.