§ Mr. Newtonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people were taken to hospital by the police or volunteers on 22 January; and whether he is aware of any instances in which the absence of emergency cover by the normal ambulance service aggravated the condition of the patient.
§ Mr. Deakins, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 30 January 1979; Vol. 961, c. 385], gave the following information:
One hundred and thirty-nine patients in the Greater London area were conveyed to hospital by members of the police force and 165 by members of the Red Cross, St. John's Ambulance Brigade and the Armed Forces between 7 a.m. on Monday 22 January and 7 a.m. on Tuesday 23 January.
I am not aware of any instances in which the absence of emergency services normally provided in London aggravated the condition of these patients.