§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services, in the light of the concern felt by the 17,000 ambulance men over their low wage rates and poor conditions of work, what action he intends to take to deal with these problems to avoid industrial action being taken.
§ Mr. DeakinsThe pay and conditions of service of ambulance men are determined by the ambulance men's Whitley Council. The Council has received formal notice that a claim for improvements in the nationally negotiated rates will be tabled shortly. I am sure that the Council will deal with this and with any matters raised affecting conditions of service as expeditiously as possible.