Stroke Sufferers

The hon. Gentleman—my hon. Friend—has brought an important matter to the House, and I congratulate him on the way in which he started the debate. I declare an interest because my mother had a stroke about eight years ago and has not said a word since, although she is happy. My son is a consultant neurosurgeon, and deals with strokes. Early intervention is the key to a decent quality of life after a stroke. If the Queen had a stroke, she would go from a paramedic to a specialist stroke-busting drug within three hours. That is for sure, but why cannot Mrs. Smith in Hadleigh have that same treatment? Will the hon. Gentleman's questions to the Minister include asking him how we can get rid of the postcode lottery and ensure that everyone in this country receives the early treatment that makes all the difference to their lives afterwards?