HC Deb 11 December 1961 vol 651 c16
20. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Minister of Health what steps are being taken to provide a 24-hour emergency ambulance service in the Borough of Rowley Regis.

Miss Pitt

I am informed that 24-hour emergency cover for the Borough of Rowley Regis is provided from Tipton, Brierley Hill and Halesowen.

Mr. Henderson

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that cases have occurred where ambulances have taken 20 and 25 minutes to reach an injured person? There is widespread dissatisfaction in the borough, and the borough council has expressed great anxiety at the inadequacy of the service. Will the Minister look at this whole question again and consult with Staffordshire County Council and Rowley Regis Borough Council on the matter?

Miss Pitt

If the right hon. and learned Gentleman has details of any particular case in which a delay of that length has occurred I will be glad to look into it. But in general, as the right hon. and learned Gentleman knows, the county council is responsible for the ambulance service in this area. It went into the matter thoroughly and was satisfied that the service is adequate.