Maurice Hayes (Independent)

I raise a matter that is entirely non-contentious and have an interest to declare – I am a member of the committee of patrons of the Special Olympics. I hope this issue can be dealt with in an entirely non-political way. Those involved in organising the Special Olympics would not like it any other way. Will the Leader of the House ask the Minister for Health and Children to make available the advice he received which led to the decision on some of the athletes who were asked not to travel? I have enormous sympathy for the Minister in the matter. When a Minister refers a matter to a committee of experts, there is little he or she can do without creating another row but take the advice offered. There are strong precedents in ordinary life of persons seeking a second medical opinion and many a life, including political ones, has been saved by doing so. It would be helpful if we knew that this matter was being kept under review and that there was the continuing possibility of a review.