§ 21. Mr. Kenneth Lewisasked the Minister of Health what proposals he now has for securing a more uniform ambulance service in terms of hours of availability, manning and stand by.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonNone, Sir. I am satisfied that local health authorities make ambulance transport available in accordance with local needs. If the hon. Member has any individual case of difficulty in mind, I shall be glad to look into it.
§ Mr. LewisDoes not the Minister agree that there are variations in the ambulance service between one area and another and that there is need for co-ordination so that the public may know that, wherever they are, they can get a service equal to the best that should be available?
§ Mr. RobinsonYes, but needs vary. In the more urban areas, ambulance stations are manned for the whole 24 hours on a shift system, but in rural areas stations are manned for varying times in relation to the demand experienced in the area. In many of them, staff are on stand-by duty at their homes at night.
§ Mr. MurrayIn view of my right hon. Friend's Answer, may I ask him to consider setting up an inquiry into the possibility of establishing a national ambulance service, which is vitally necessary because of the difference in service that certain areas give to patients?
§ Mr. RobinsonI have told the House that I am considering the arguments for and against that proposal.
§ Mr. LubbockIs the Minister aware that there is a great deal of dissatisfaction among the staff of the ambulance service in Greater London? What steps is he taking to ensure that their complaints against the conditions of service are sorted out?
§ Mr. RobinsonIf the hon. Member wants to ask a Question about the particular problems of London, I shall be glad if he will put it on the Order Paper.