Shrewsbury MP Daniel Kawczynski today claimed that three suspended Shropshire ambulance workers might be protected by the very law they are being investigated for breaching.

The trio were suspended last week in a row over leaked documents pending what the West Midlands Ambulance Trust said was an investigation into a possible breach of the Data Protection Act.

Mr Kawczynski yesterday met trust chief executive Anthony Marsh in a bid to get the suspensions lifted.

He pointed to a clause in the Act under which people can show that in particular circumstances the obtaining, disclosing or procuring of information was justified as being in the public interest.

One of those suspended, ambulance technician Steve Jetley, produced information showing that while Shropshire ambulances were being used out of the county in the West Midlands, it had taken longer to deal with an emergency call in Shropshire than the standard response time.

Mr Kawczynski said today: “The meeting was very helpful. We had an open and frank discussion which has led to a greater understanding of the situation on my part. I have appealed to Mr Marsh to do everything possible to help my constituents and to look as sympathetically as possible at their cases with a view to lifting the suspensions, where appropriate, as quickly as possible.

“I have stressed to Mr Marsh my belief that my constituents acted honourably and with the best intentions with a view to highlighting and protecting the people of Shrewsbury.

“However, Mr Marsh has informed me of the duty that he has to protect confidential information and the ramifications for his trust if he does not ensure that identifiable personal details are protected in future.”

Mr Marsh said he had taken “on board” the MP’s comments.

But he added: “If people have concerns at getting information into the public domain that is fine, but it has to be in accordance with the law.

“I am hopeful that this matter can be concluded quickly and I am working hard to ensure that real progress is made within the next few days.”

By Dave Morris