HC Deb 08 March 1979 vol 963 cc807-8W
Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, in view of the proposed five-day strike by ambulance drivers in Northern Ireland, what steps he proposes to take to ensure that emergency cases will be effectively taken care of.

Mr. Carter

The unofficial five-day strike due to have commenced at midday on 7 March did not take place.

Contingency arrangements had been made by the Department of Health and Social Services for those areas of Northern Ireland where services would have been withdrawn.

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many meetings he or officials of his Department have had with the Northern Ireland ambulance drivers' representatives; and what were the results of such meetings.

Mr. Carter

I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, in view of the IRA terrorism prevailing in Northern Ireland and the special circumstances which it causes, if he will allow ambulance drivers to have a settlement outside the national arrangement.

Mr. Carter

I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many ambulances are in operation in Northern Ireland; and how many hours per week on average ambulance drivers are at present on duty.

Mr. Carter

I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.