asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with the current provision of ambulance services.

Like most services it is capable of improvement. Last year the Standing Commission on Pay Comparability made a number of suggestions for improving efficiency in the ambulance service and these are at present being considered by NHS management. In addition, the NHS has agreed to set up a working group to identify patient transport needs and to consider the future role and structure of the service in the light of these.