§ 72. Sir J. Nallasked the Minister of Health why he is requiring local authorities to hire vehicles temporarily adapted for ambulance purposes at an annual cost in excess of the sum for which the vehicles could be purchased outright?
§ Mr. ElliotVehicles were hired by local authorities at the outbreak of war and temporarily adapted for ambulance purposes. These are now being rapidly replaced by suitable second-hand cars bought and converted to ambulance use, under the terms of a circular issued to local authorities last October, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy. The continued payment of hire charges has, therefore, diminished steadily and will shortly cease. Arrangements have also been made, where the owner is willing, for hired vehicles which have thus become redundant to be acquired for 2239 other war-time purposes by local authorities or the Government, at a price approximating to the total amount which is otherwise due in respect of hire charges.
§ Sir J. NallDoes my right hon. Friend realise that although local authorities may be dispensing with some of these vehicles, the cost of hiring them comes to more than would be paid if they were purchased outright?
§ Mr. ElliotIt is for that purpose that we are conducting a policy of purchase rather than of hire.