Ambulance Services

HC Deb 13 June 2003 vol 406 c351W

19. Mr. Wiggin

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on ambulance services. [116542]

Mr. Lammy

The ambulance service in England has made real progress. Compared with 1997, trusts are responding more quickly to a significantly larger number of calls. Ambulances are better equipped and paramedics are better trained. The service still faces challenges, but with support and investment it will continue to succeed. The national average for category A response times has been over 75 per cent. since March 2003.