§ Mr. BurnsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what discussions he has had with the London Ambulance Service concerning the introduction of congestion charges in Central London; [97819]
(2) how many representations he has received concerning the possible consequential impact of the introduction of congestion charges in Central London on health services, with particular reference to emergency services, in London. [97818]
§ Mr. HuttonI have received three letters from national health service professionals employed in London about the impact of the congestion charge.
The London Ambulance Service (LAS) has been actively involved in the consultation process for the congestion charging scheme and the development of the NHS reimbursement scheme, in discussion with Transport for London. The implementation of the reimbursement scheme is being led by the NHS and a steering group has been established, with trust, staff and patient representation, to oversee the development of the scheme and assess the impacts of congestion charging on both staff and patients.
My hon. Friend Under-Secretary for Public Health has visited the LAS and corresponded with the chief executive regarding the congestion charging and the NHS reimbursement scheme.
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