§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to improve the operation of the ambulance service; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe Government remain committed to the maintenance of high standards by NHS ambulance services.
The patients charter sets performance standards for ambulance emergency response times. Progress towards the achievement of the Government's target of one paramedic per front-line ambulance by 1996 continues and is generally ahead of schedule.
In London the inquiry established by the South West Thames regional health authority has been asked to identify the lessons to be learned for the operation and management of the London ambulance service against the imperative of delivering service of the required standard.