§ Mr. DobsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will introduce legislation to involve health authorities in the standards achieved by private ambulances along the lines of the regulations applied to private nursing homes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Currie[holding answer 25 April 1988]: Private ambulance companies are free to operate subject to the provision of common law and traffic legislation. We have no current plans to introduce further legislation, but the Department is keeping the matter under review. Health authorities continue to be responsible for the standards of service for patients which they may buy in.