HC Deb 07 March 1978 vol 945 cc1215-6
17. Mr. Arnold

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he remains satisfied with the efficiency of the ambulance service.

Mr. Deakins

Yes, but, as with all services, it is capable of improvement.

Mr. Arnold

Does not the Minister agree that there is a continuously increasing demand for this service? How is this to be financed in circumstances where, as in the North-West, only some of the service is used for emergency work?

Mr. Deakins

Finance is part of the wider problem of extra resources for the NHS. In the meantime, under the RAWP principle, the North-West Region and areas within it will be benefiting from this and will continue to do so for the next few years.

Mr. Molloy

Is my hon. Friend aware that these questions demonstrate beyond peradventure that it is the desire of all the House of Commons completely to refurbish the NHS and social allowances? All sides of the House want an injection of extra public expenditure in order to refurbish the NHS and the social services. A massive minority of one is opposed to this, and that is the right hon. Lady the Leader of the Opposition.

Mr. Deakins

Those views are held strongly by all Ministers in my Department.

Dr. Vaughan

Does not the Minister realise that the efficiency of the ambulance service is seriously reduced by industrial unrest? There is widespread industrial unrest within the NHS. Why does not the Secretary of State condemn industrial action in the Health Service?

Mr. Deakins

My right hon. Friend has already dealt with that in reply to an earlier question.