§ Mr. MuddTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many hours of police manpower time were expended by Britain's police forces in providing alternative emergency cover during the ambulance dispute; and what are his projected probable costs for the exercise both in cash and in man-hours(a) to the most recent convenient date and (b) projected for the period from the initial commencement to the final withdrawal of cover.
§ Mr. Peter LloydI understand that the total number of man-hours which forces have provided in assisting ambulance services in England and Wales up to and including 5 March has been about 1.5 million.
As police authority, my right hon. and learned Friend is aware that up to 4 February the Metropolitan police have charged the South West Thames regional health authority £5.8 million for police assistance during the ambulance dispute. I am unaware of the charges which other forces have made of their relevant health authorities.
To make projections is not practicable because the timing of the final withdrawal of police assistance will depend on the outcome of the ballot of ambulance staff and, if the decision is to accept the management offer, the arrangements which are made in different areas for a return to normal working.