AMBULANCE SERVICE (LONDON) (Hansard, 21 February 1979)

§ Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No. 9, for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration, namely, the problems of the London ambulance service. 434 Although we have had a private notice question, I do not believe that the House has had the opportunity of a proper discussion of the matter. It is urgent because it is happening today. Londoners are at risk, in spite of the aid coming from the police, the voluntary services and the Armed Services. The matter is specific because it relates to one service, and there is no other way of getting swift help from the National Health Service. It is important, because lives are at stake.

The House needs the opportunity to expose the so-called concordat. Those on strike have ignored union instructions and ignored majority decisions. This proves that, despite the so-called concordat, neither the Government nor the Trades Union Congress can deliver anything they promise.

For these reasons, Mr. Speaker, I submit that the matter should have urgent consideration.

§ Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member for Hampstead (Mr. Finsberg) gave me notice before 12 o'clock this morning that he would seek leave to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that he believes should have urgent consideration, namely, the problems of the London ambulance service. The House knows that I am not expected to give reasons for the decision that I reach in such applications. I listened to the earlier exchanges which took place and I listened with very serious care to the hon. Gentleman. However, I have to rule that his submission does not fall within the provisions of the Standing Order and, therefore, I cannot submit his application to the House.