§ 15. Mr. MurphyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the implications for 17 the effectiveness of Gwent's emergency ambulance services of implementing the reductions in crew numbers propssed in the report currently being considered by the health authority.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Ian Grist)The management and operation of the ambulance service in Gwent is the responsibility of the Gwent health authiority and it is for the authority to determine the number of ambulance staff that it requires for the efficient operation of the service.
§ Mr. MurphyIs the Minister aware of the considerable anxiety in the county of Gwent about this matter? Would not a reduction in crews be bound to affect the ambulance emergency services? Despite what he said, will he intervene if Gwent health authority decides to consider such a proposal?
§ Mr. GristI am aware of the proposals, but, given the Secretary of State's appellate functions, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on them now.