MP JOAN Walley spoke out in Parliament to make sure some of her most vulnerable constituents get proper protection against the swine flu epidemic.

Mrs Walley, who represents Stoke-on-Trent North, asked Health Secretary Andy Burnham about the possibility of laryngectomy sufferers getting a special Micron Filter mask, to protect them from germs.

The Labour MP asked the question after being contacted by the North Staffordshire branch of the Laryngectomy Society.

In a letter sent by Mr Burnham to Mrs Walley, the Health Secretary said Micron Filters would be available on the NHS from August, particularly for vulnerable people like laryngectomy sufferers.

Mrs Walley said: "I told the Secretary of State he needed to act and he has.

"This is vital for laryngectomy sufferers and it is great the government has responded so quickly."