§ 30. Mr. Messerasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the serious shortage of hospital ambulance drivers due to call up for military service; and what steps he proposes to take to avoid a breakdown of this branch of the hospital service?
§ Mr. E. BrownNo, Sir. I am not aware of any general shortage, but I shall be glad to consider any particular instances that my hon. Friend may bring to my notice. In regard to the second part of the Question, I would remind my hon. Friend that large emergency ambulance services are available for hospital purposes.
§ Mr. MesserIs it possible for the county councils, which are being depleted of their staffs, to use the staffs of the emergency service?
§ Mr. BrownThe normal ambulance service of a hospital is reinforced if necessary by the service of these Civil Defence ambulances, the inter-hospital ambulances provided under the Emergency Hospital Scheme, and the America Ambulance in Great Britain.