HC Deb 15 November 1983 vol 48 cc708-9
4. Mr. Robert Atkins

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he is taking to encourage management recognition of the Association of Professional Ambulance Personnel for industrial relations purposes.

The Minister for Health (Mr. Kenneth Clarke)

Individual health authorities are free to recognise the association locally, and I have encouraged several to do so. We have also authorised a number of authorities, where the association has a significant membership to grant the facility under which members' contributions to the association are deducted at source.

Mr. Atkins

In the light of my hon. and learned Friend's advice to health authorities to recognise the Association of Professional Ambulance Personnel and Lancashire's refusal to do so, even though more than 50 per cent. of ambulance personnel are members of APAP, what will he do to rectify this disgraceful anomaly in Lancashire?

Mr. Clarke

I have given the advice to the district chairmen. The chairman in question is one of those to whom I have written. I hope that he will reflect on the fact that the Government's view is that the ambulance men should determine by which union or association they wish to be represented. We expect health authorities to recognise the associations that plainly have the support of their employees.

Mr. Boyes

Does the Minister recognise that legitimate trade unions in my area are fighting against cuts in ambulance services? The Secretary of State has talked about 0.5 per cent. cuts. In view of those cuts, will the Minister examine the proposals of the Northumbria ambulance service where there are proposed cuts of 20 per cent.? Such cuts will leave patients in my constituency and the constituencies of my hon. Friends——

Mr. Speaker

Order. The question is about recognition, not cuts.

Mr. Boyes

Does the Minister recognise that legitimate trade unions are reducing the emergency cover for my constituency and the constituencies of my hon. Friends the Members for Jarrow (Mr. Dixon) and for Sunderland, North (Mr. Clay), but I will not allow the people I represent to suffer — [Interruption.] Conservative Members may shout as much as they like.

Mr. Speaker

Order. I think that is sufficient.

Mr. Clarke

We have asked health authorities to cut spending only on unnecessary services, to release resources for priority patient care. We expect local health authorities to recognise those unions and associations chosen by the employees to represent them.