§ 12. Colonel DAYasked the Home Secretary if he is aware that a person meeting with an accident in the streets of London, however serious his condition may be, is compelled to await the arrival of an official ambulance before he can be removed; and will he examine these Regulations, with a view to the betterment of these conditions?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI know of no such Regulation. The instructions to the police are to give the sufferer the first consideration, and if an ambulance is not readily available to employ a cab or other vehicle if the patient's condition appears to justify it. It must, however, be borne in mind that it is dangerous to move cases of many common types of injury in any vehicle but an ambulance.
§ Colonel DAYIs the Home Secretary aware that the police will not allow people who have been injured in the streets to be taken to hospital in a private motor car, and they have to wait until the ambulance comes along?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSNo, Sir. I was not aware of that. I have said in the answer to the question that the police are authorised to take such steps as are desirable. If the hon. Gentleman will give me an instance where it was desirable to remove a patient quickly, and a refusal was given, I will look into it.
§ Sir HARRY BRITTAINIs it not a fact that the police are always ready to take advantage of the offer of a private motor car in cases of the sort?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI thought so. It is news to me, the suggestion of the hon. and gallant Member, that the police refused the offer of a private car.
§ Colonel DAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Manor Place, South-wark, a fortnight ago, a boy was rather seriously injured and he was not allowed to be taken?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. and gallant Member had better put that question down.