asked the Secretary of State for Social Services why the ambulance service is not officially recognised as an emergency service in the same way as police and fire services are so recognised; and if he will make a statement.

The ambulance service is an integral part of the National Health Service. On many occasions we have paid tribute to the vital role performed by ambulance staff in dealing with emergencies, often in very difficult circumstances. The duties and responsibilities of the various emergency services however differ and emergency work forms only a part, and by no means the most time-consuming part, of the overall work of the ambulance service. The other aspects which vary greatly cannot be left aside in determining pay and conditions of service.