Mr. Baker Whiteasked the Minister of Health what is the total strength of the ambulance services coming within the scope of the National Health Service in terms of personnel, full time and part-time, and vehicles; and what were the corresponding figures for public ambulance services on 30th June, 1946.
§ Mr. BevanThe figures for the National Health Service (England and Wales) are whole-time drivers and attendants 7,000 (approx.), ambulances 3,321, sitting case cars 824. The corresponding figures for public ambulance services before July, 1948, were obtained somewhat later than the date mentioned 91W in the Question. They are 4,275, 3,925 (including a large number of works and colliery ambulances still operating outside the National Health Service) and 366. I regret that figures for part-time personnel are not available.
Mr. Baker Whiteasked the Minister of Health what is the present strength of the ambulance staffs at Whitstable, Maldon and Melton Mowbray; the annual cost of maintaining these services; and the retrospective strength and cost at 30th June, 1946, or the nearest convenient date.
§ Mr. BevanThe respective county councils are the local health authorities responsible for the ambulance services in the places mentioned. Whitstable shares the services of 10 whole-time staff with two other stations; no information is available as to the staff at Maldon; Melton Mowbray employs four persons whole time. Before July, 1948, Whitstable had two whole-time and five part-time staff in addition to some volunteers; Maldon had one part-time driver and reliefs provided by the British Red Cross Society; Melton Mowbray had volunteer staff only—the numbers are not available. I regret that I am unable to give the cost of these services.