§ Mr. Harold Walkerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will direct regional hospital boards to consult with trade unions representative of the workers concerned before taking firm decisions about the reorganisation of ambulance services.
§ Sir K. JosephDecisions relating to the reorganisation of the ambulance service will rest with the new regional and area health authorities, but the problems are being examined and recommendations will be made by the joint liaison committees representing existing National Health Service and local authorities in each region and area. The need to consult staff, individually or in groups, and directly or through their trade unions, on all matters connected with reorganisation which which affect them has been repeatedly emphasised to existing authorities and the joint liaison committees and the new authorities will be expected to do so before making final decisions on recommendations made by those committees.