HC Deb 13 December 1989 vol 163 cc682-3W
Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the number of Army personnel and vehicles deployed in London for each shift on ambulance duties since 1 November.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

A total of 51 Army vehicles were deployed in London with effect from 8 November. Each vehicle is crewed by two persons, making a total of 102 per shift.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will list for each day since 1 October for the London area, per shift(a) the number of ambulance personnel on duty, (b) the number of vehicles available, and (c) the number of emergency calls and the number answered within seven minutes and 14 minutes;

(2) what are the total number of patients moved by (a) the London ambulance service, (b) St. John's and (c) military vehicles per day in London since 1 October;

(3) what is the average amount of money paid to a qualified ambulance person in London for September, October and November of the current year.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

The management of the London ambulance service is the responsibility of the South West Thames regional health authority to whom I refer the hon. Member.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what meetings have been held by(a) himself and (b) Duncan Nichol, chief executive of the National Health Service with (i) the trade union side of the Whitley council for ambulance staff and (ii) the Association of Professional Ambulance Personnel since 1 September.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State met representatives of the Association of Professional Ambulance Personnel on 24 November when their claim for recognition was discussed. I met them on 14 November to discuss their role in the current dispute. Duncan Nichol, National Health Service chief executive, met the trade union side of the ambulance Whitley council on 22 September, 24 and 26 October and 17 November in attempts to find a basis on which negotiations in the Whitley council might be resumed; he also met the Association of Professional Ambulance Personnel on 26 September and 17 November.