HC Deb 18 March 1998 vol 308 c654W
22. Mr. Touhig

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the establishment of an all-Wales ambulance trust. [33450]

Mr. Win Griffiths

I announced the establishment of a new single ambulance trust for Wales on 26 February. This followed a three month consultation exercise during which the people of Wales were given the opportunity to express their views on the proposals. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I considered all the responses to the consultation together with advice from others, including the independent assessors I appointed to examine the proposals, before reaching our decision. We are satisfied that the overwhelming benefits to patients identified in the consultation document could be realised and a decision was taken to merge the existing ambulance services from 1 April 1998.