§ 30. Mr. DAYasked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to an inquest held at Hammersmith on Harold Gordon Nash, aged 8, of Oranbrook Road, Chiswick, in which the evidence disclosed the fact that when the Chiswick ambulance was telephoned for the operator stated the line was engaged; and whether he will give instruction that in future all ambulance calls shall be put through immediately?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONAll ambulance calls are dealt with specially and are at once connected with an ambulance station if this is possible. In the case referred to the first call made at 4.40 p.m. was put through—with the caller's assent—to the Acton ambulance station as the line to the Chiswick station was engaged at the time. A second call made from another number at 4.45 p.m. 1594 was connected with the Chiswick ambulance number, which was then free. There was no delay in dealing with the calls.
§ Mr. DAYCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the evidence given that the line was engaged at the time was correct?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONYes.
§ Mr. DAYDoes not the right hon. Gentleman realise that it would be much better always to put an ambulance call through to the nearest station immediately?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONIf the station is engaged on another ambulance call, you cannot interrupt that.