§ 27. Major McCallumasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation if he is aware that it is necessary on occasions to remove patients by air ambulance from some of the Hebridean islands to hospitals on the mainland at very short notice; and if he will arrange for someone to remain on duty at Renfrew airport after 8 p.m., in order that urgent calls for air ambulances may be dealt with at any hour of the night instead of having to wait until 9 a.m. the next morning as at present.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (Mr. Lindgren)The answer to the first part of the Question is, "Yes, Sir." As to the rest of the Question, the British European Airways Corporation switchboard at Renfrew Airport is manned until midnight. Thereafter calls are put through to the home address of the British European Airways Corporation Officer in charge. Thus, where ground facilities are available, patients can be, and are, removed by air ambulance at all hours of the day and night; and I take this opportunity of expressing my noble Friend's appreciation to all who play a part in providing this valuable public service.
§ Major McCallumIn view of the information which has been given, could the Parliamentary Secretary instruct or request the Scottish Division of B.E.A.C. to make it known to local authorities and 843 medical officers in the Islands concerned, because at present this information is not known and we are very glad to have it?
§ Mr. LindgrenI would not say that this information is not known, except, perhaps, in isolated cases. In the main it is known and we receive very many night calls. The function of publicity is really that of the Scottish Health Department, but I will certainly ask them to communicate with medical men in those areas in order to make this information more widely known.