Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, for allowing me to introduce this petition. I am delighted to be able to introduce the petition, a part of which is being presented before the Table. It is a very large petition. The project manager for the trust merger accepted three months ago that more than 62,000 signatures had already been presented and three further months have now elapsed. It is a singular petition and has been signed by more than one in three adult citizens of the district of Wakefield. It also has the full support of the four hon. Members representing the Wakefield district.

I shall read out the petition: The petitioners of the Campaign Group against the Merger of the Pontefract and Pinderfields NHS Trusts declare that the proposed merger of these trusts would have a detrimental effect on local health services. The petitioners, therefore, request that the House of Commons call upon the Secretary of State to reject any recommendation seeking approval of the merger of the two hospital trusts. The petitioners remain, etc. I beg leave to present the petition.

To lie upon the Table.