§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if the proposed Gwent-South Glamorgan-Powys Ambulance Trust will provide the ambulance service for the Rhymney Valley or any part of it; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesThe application for national health service trust status made clear the intention to provide ambulance services for the health authority areas of Gwent, Powys and South Glamorgan. Detailed operations from 1 April 1993 when the South and East Wales Ambulance National Health Service Trust commences formal operation will depend on the contracts negotiated with the purchasers of the ambulance service. However, I would not expect the trust or any other ambulance service in Wales to discontinue the existing practice of operating within the margins of neighbouring health authority areas, especially when responding to emergency calls and any local arrangements to meet the needs of patients.