§ Dr. CableTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many cycle response units are in service with the London 459W Ambulance Service; in which London boroughs they are situated; how many are due to be introduced in 2003; and if he will make a statement. [91654]
§ Mr. HuttonI have been asked to reply.
The London Ambulance Service has one cycle response unit comprising three cycles staffed by a team of up to six technicians or paramedics.
At this time the unit covers only the highly pedestrianised and congested area around Covent Garden and Leicester Square. There are no current plans to introduce cycle response units elsewhere in London.
§ Dr. CableTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many vacancies there are within the London Ambulance Service for frontline paramedics; and if he will make a statement. [91676]
§ Mr. HuttonI have been asked to reply.
The London Ambulance Service (LAS) has 2,181 staff in post, out of an establishment of 2,298. There are therefore 117 vacancies. The LAS is training staff to reach the establishment figure. The LAS is on target with its recruitment programme for 2002–03, made possible by an increase in funding from commissioners.
§ Dr. CableTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what percentage of frontline London ambulance staff have been issued with anti-stab vests; and if he will make a statement. [91677]
§ Mr. HuttonI have been asked to reply.
The London Ambulance Service (LAS) has taken the decision to equip all front line staff with stab vests, given the very real threat of violence towards staff. Extensive trials have taken place and a suitable vest has now been selected. The LAS anticipates that all front line staff will have been issued with a personal made to measure stab vest by June of this year.