Michael McCarthy (Labour)

I prefaced my contribution by saying that the Government could argue, probably justifiably in some cases, that the targets could be met between now and 2007. However, we should remember what was set out in the document that we mentioned. The figures were achievable and realistic, but they were not met. My point concerned the commitment to meet targets that were realistic and achievable. That has not been done. There was an abject failure by the Government to fulfil that commitment.

In the light of what the Minister has said, it would be appropriate to ask her for a statement on how the increases will be phased in over the period in question. She has made the point, as I predicted, that she could meet the targets between now and 2007. If that is to be so, can we have a statement explaining how those increases will be phased over the next four years?