§ Ms. HarmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has any plans to take steps to improve the response of the London ambulance service to emergency calls.
§ Mrs. CurrieThe responsibility for response times lies with the South West Thames regional health authority which is responsible, on behalf of the four Thames regions, for the management of the London ambulance service (LAS). I understand, however. that the LAS is in the process of negotiating revised accident and emergency666W rotas with the staff side of the LAS. When these are implemented they will enable the LAS to provide more relief staff and thus improve its manning levels.
§ Ms. HarmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will conduct an inquiry into the response to an emergency call to the London ambulance service at 1 am on Saturday 25 June from Donnington road, Worcester Park.
§ Mrs. CurrieNo. I understand my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Lords) will receive a report from the London ambulance service which is carrying out an inquiry into the case.
§ Ms. HarmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement about staffing levels in the London ambulance service.
§ Mrs. CurrieThe staffing levels for ambulance personnel are at present:
In post Leading Ambulance Personnel 60.0 Qualified Ambulance Personnel 1,451.0 Ambulance Personnel 685.5 A further 12 full-time and seven part-time staff are at present contracted to become ambulance personnel. I understand that the London ambulance service is continuing to carry out a recruitment programme.