HC Deb 06 December 1954 vol 535 cc586-7
21. Mr. Burden

asked the Minister of Health to what extent county health departments are making use of radiotelephonic communication in the operation of their ambulance services.

Miss Hornsby-Smith

About one-third of those in England and Wales.

Mr. Burden

Has my hon. Friend read the Annual Report for 1953 of the Medical Officer of Health for Kent? It has just been issued, and it states that the total number of ambulance stations …has been reduced from 52 to 21.…The operation of the ambulance service from this reduced number of stations, which results in a considerable reduction in overhead costs, has been possible because of the extensive use made of radio-telephonic methods of communication. Will my hon. Friend look into this to see if these methods can be introduced throughout the country?

Miss Hornsby-Smith

Radio control has been found to lead to greater efficiency and economy, and, apart from the 20 out of 63 counties which have installed it, and the 42 out of 83 county boroughs, other authorities are considering adopting it.