HC Deb 11 February 1999 vol 325 c393W
Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the working conditions of the Ambulance Service in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [69534]

Mr. Jon Owen Jones

The working conditions for the ambulance services in Wales are a matter for the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust. The Trust has recently completed a review of its estate and is consulting trade unions on a package to standardise the pay and conditions of service for staff across Wales. In addition, the Trust is developing a programme for replacing uniforms for all operational staff and has a vehicle replacement programme in place.

Following the transfer of powers, overall responsibility for the Health Service will be a matter for the National Assembly.