§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many ambulance men he estimates are needed in London; how many are actually employed at the latest convenient date; and how this compares with the figures for the previous five years;
(2) how many ambulance men in London he estimates will be needed in the summer of the current year; and how many are in fact expected to be employed at that time;
(3) what steps he is taking to increase the number of ambulance men in London.
§ Dr. VaughanThe South-West Thames regional health authority is responsible for the management of the London ambulance service and the hon. Member may like to contact that authority direct.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage of calls should be answered within seven minutes by ambulance men in London; how many are in fact answered; and how many lives he estimates are thus put at risk.
§ Dr. VaughanIn 1974 the Department recommended that in Metropolitan areas ambulance response time for emergency calls should be seven minutes in 50 per cent. of cases. The South-West Thames regional health authority is responsible for managing the London ambulance service and the hon. Member may like to seek554W further information direct from that authority.