§ 37. Dr. Mawhinneyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on Government plans for the ambulance service.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe NHS working party on patient transport services published its report last September. At the same time guidance was issued to health authorities on the future management arrangements for ambulance services based on the working party's recommendations. Interim arrangements came into effect on 1 April 1982. I have asked health authorities to complete a review of the long term structure and management of their ambulance services by 1 April 1984.
The working party also reported on a number of other issues relating both to the ambulance service and to patient transport generally. We are consulting widely on these matters and I shall make a statement in due course.