§ 11. Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received concerning cuts in ambulance services on Merseyside; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenWe have received no such representations. The Mersey regional health authority has consulted widely on proposals to reorganise the emergency service provided by the metropolitan ambulance service. The proposals were drawn up following a study on accident and emergency cover in the Mersey metropolitan area.
We cannot comment at this stage on the likely outcome of local consultation, which will not be completed until 31 July. Hon. Members whose constituencies lie in the metropolitan area were sent copies of the consultation document.
§ Mr. ParryThe Minister will be aware of early-day motion No. 771, which has been supported by 38 hon. Members. I have received representation from the public, patients and NUPE, who are objecting to the reduction of five ambulances in a fleet of 30. Will the Minister have words with the regional health authority, given the possibility of a catastrophe in Liverpool, when lives and limbs could be at stake? Will he make sure that essential services in the city are maintained?
§ Mr. PattenI am, of course, aware of the early-day motion, and I shall pass the hon. Gentleman's comments on to the chairman of the regional health authority, Mr. Don Wilson. However, I understand that the proposals involve no loss of service and no loss of jobs. I also understand that the ambulance service in Merseyside is an expanding service, with an 8 per cent. growth in jobs over the past eight years and a further 10 per cent. growth in the next decade.