§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the ambulance dispute in Wales.
§ Mr. GristThis is an unnecessary and damaging dispute. The offer made by the management side is fair and constructive and is the most the NHS can reasonably afford without cutting into patient services. It should be accepted and normal working resumed.
The industrial action being taken by ambulance staff has not so far affected accident and emergency services in any part of Wales. Non-urgent and outpatient services are however being disrupted to varying degrees. Day patients, particularly the elderly and infirm, are suffering as a direct result of this action.
We hope that the dispute can be settled quickly to avoid any further hardship to patients.