§ Mr. Brandon-Bravoasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage of ambulance authorities is now operating or planning a specialisation of services, known as tiering; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenThis information is not held centrally, but we are aware that a number of authorities have separated the organisation of their emergency and non-emergency ambulance services. It is for them to608W decide whether such an arrangement best meets their own local needs. Following the report of a recent National Health Service scrutiny of the ambulance service, my right hon. Friend has written to the chairmen of all health authorities about the improvements we wish them to seek in the operation of their services. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the report and my right hon. Friend's covering letter.