Ambulances (Alnwick And Belford)

Mr. Beith
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is aware of the proposal to replace the ambulance stations at Alnwick and Belford with a station between the two towns; whether it is his policy that ambulance stations  should be resited away from the centres of population which they serve; and whether he has considered the increases in journey times on emergency calls and in the time taken for relief crews to reach the station which are inherent in such a policy.

Mr. Deakins
I am aware of the proposal. I understand that it is one of a number of options being considered by the Northern Regional Health Authority due to premises at Belford and Alnwick being no longer available. Health authorities are responsible for siting ambulance stations in the light of local circumstances and the need to conform with the recommended national standards of service.