Vince Cable

Local residents who depend on oxygen cylinders to breathe - because of asthma and other respiratory diseases - are having major problems obtaining reliable supplies. Vincent Cable MP has already been in touch with the Health Minister and the PCT - since the problem is widespread - and hopes residents who have these problems will come forward to help make a strong appeal for action.

Vincent Cable MP said: "This problem is down to incompetent government planning. They decided to create a competitive market for tendering for oxygen supply but the companies bidding were given an inaccurate picture of the demand and several who won contracts were simply incompetent. There are particular problems with smaller mobile, portable cylinders which most patients use. Despite promises from the Government and the industry, there are still serious problems and I worry that vulnerable people, especially the elderly, are trying to get through the winter without reliable supplies. If they contact me I will try to bring pressure to bear on the companies."