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North East Ambulance Service

I agree with every word that my hon. Friend has said. In fact, I think that she has been looking over my script because that is exactly what I was going to say. I totally agree with what she said about the consultation. Many staff have said similar things to me. Mr. Hampson also said that there was"““a need for specialist knowledge of how ambulance accident and emergency crews should respond to chemical and nuclear incidents.””" That view has also been echoed by the local council, through the health scrutiny committees and the Cleveland joint emergency planning unit. The overview and scrutiny powers of local councils are crucial in that respect. However diligent or effective the NHS trust is, it is still an appointed trust. Local councils and local councillors are directly elected. Therefore, members serving on the health overview and scrutiny committees reflect the views of their communities. They can refer matters to the Secretary of State on the grounds that the consultation on changes by the NHS trust is flawed or not in the best interests of the public. The Secretary of State can then refer the issue to the independent configuration panel for an overarching reassessment and, if necessary, a full review. I understand that the NEAS board is meeting on 22 May and that its proposals remain unaltered. It is clear that if the proposal is approved by the board, the matter will be referred to the Secretary of State. I then expect the proposals to be passed as a matter of urgency to the independent configuration panel, which would take on board the views of the other emergency services on Teesside. That would allow us to build an ambulance control service that truly represents the people and the needs of Teesside. In the 11 years that I have been a Member of Parliament, I have always supported the Government. I have never even abstained on an issue. If the Government go ahead with the proposal, there will be consequences in the future. We are rushing into a zone in which we should not be. I appeal to the Minister to consider my biggest objection to the proposal regarding Teesside and its chemical plants. In the end, the buck will stop with her or the Secretary of State. The Minister knows the area very well, and I appeal to her to take note of what I have said. She knows that I have the support of all the Members of Tees valley on this issue, and I hope that she will give a positive response.