§ 9. Mr. David Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she is satisfied with the manning arrangements for the ambulance service at Basingstoke, in the light of the size of the population of that area.
§ Mr. MeacherThe manning arrangements for the ambulance service at Basingstoke are a matter for the Hampshire Area Health Authority, which advises me that the ambulance services in the area are meeting my Department's recommendations on minimum national standards of service.
§ Mr. David MitchellIs the Minister aware that the Basingstoke service covers an area from Kingsclere to Hartley Wintney, and includes also sections of the M3, so that there is a very heavy load? Is it not correct that under the Miller Report recommendations there ought to be 12 ambulances and not four? In view of the unsatisfactory position, will the Minister investigate the situation further with the area health authority, particularly to see that where ambulance men are available for overtime they are allowed to do it, so that there is better manning in the area?
§ Mr. MeacherAs I have said, the Hampshire Area Health Authority advises me that the Department's recommendations on minimum standards are already covered. I assure the hon. Gentleman that there is a minimum of two manned ambulances at the Basingstoke ambulance station, on a 24-hour basis, with two additional double-manned ambulances and one single-manned ambulance in peak hours, Monday to Friday, for emergency services. I am aware that the establishment is one below the appropriate 187 number, and the area health authority is doing its best urgently to try to fill this vacancy.
§ Dr. VaughanIs the Minister aware that there are difficulties over the provision of ambulance services in a number of different parts of the country—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. This Question is about Basingstoke.