§ 22. Mr. Ioan L. Evansasked the Minister of Health what representations he has had from local authorities about payment for ambulance services; and if he will take steps to transfer the cost to regional, hospital boards.
§ Mr. LoughlinMy right hon. Friend has received representations from Birmingham Corporation that the cost of the service should be borne by regional hospital boards. He is studying the arguments for and against a change, which would require legislation, in the responsibility for providing ambulance services and will bear these representations in mind.
§ Mr. EvansDoes my hon. Friend realise that, while the city council operates the ambulance service, it has no say in the use of it? Would not this be better paid for from the Health Estimates, rather than from local rates?
§ Mr. LoughlinWe appreciate that what my hon. Friend says is true, but this whole matter is now being reviewed in the light of representations from Birmingham and elsewhere, and from other organisations. I assure my hon. Friend that the representations which have been made by Birmingham will be taken into consideration in that review.