§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions have been undertaken by his Department in order to try and find an equitable solution to the ambulance dispute in Wales; what representations he has received about referring this dispute to independent arbitration; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GristThe proper forum for negotiations is the Ambulance Whitley council where the Department is represented on the management side; this is a national body and no separate discussions have been undertaken for Wales. Representations have been received from one of the unions involved about referring the dispute to arbitration. The Government believe that unilateral access to arbitration would not be helpful in pay negotiations in the NHS, where management must ensure that resources are not diverted away from patient care. We urge the unions to resume negotiations in the Whitley council and call off their action.