§ Mr. Newensasked the Minister of Health if he will set up an inquiry into the need for establishing a national ambulance service, improving the status and conditions of the ambulance driver and rationalising the negotiating machinery through which the remuneration of ambulance drivers is negotiated; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonUnder existing legislation the ambulance service is provided by local health authorities and the Greater London Council. The pay and conditions of ambulance crews are accordingly negotiated through the appropriate National Joint Council for local authority staffs. I propose to keep under review the arguments for and against a national ambulance service and I see no need for an inquiry.