§ 23. Mr. Lawsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the time taken between the placing of the contracts on behalf of the St. Andrew's and Red Cross Scottish Ambulance Service for new ambulance service vehicles in 1958 and the delivery of those vehicles; and how these delivery dates compare with what had been customary in previous years.
§ Mr. J. N. BrowneThe main order for vehicle bodies was completed in just under six months after the placing of the contract and a supplementary order is expected to be completed in just over three months. This compares with from five to thirteen months in the last two years in which orders were placed.
§ Mr. LawsonIs not it true that normally the provision of these vehicles takes five or six months?
§ Mr. BrowneYes, Sir, but we have done very well in this particular case.
§ 24. Mr. Lawsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the nature of the breakdown that threatened the Scottish Ambulance Service in the winter of 1958–59; and how this situation arose.
§ Mr. J. N. BrowneThe joint committee advised that there was likely to be a serious and unexpected shortage of ambulances. The numbers of vehicles requiring replacement or major repair were greater than expected. In addition the committee's estimate of vehicles to be saved as a result of co-ordination schemes proved to over over-optimistic. Additional ambulances were, therefore, required to maintain the fleet at full strength during the winter.
§ Mr. LawsonIs not it the case that no orders at all were placed for ambulances during two complete years—from 1955 to 1958—and that it is for this reason that there was this threatened break-down of the service in Scotland? Is not it the case that a "penny wise and pound foolish" policy has been followed?
§ Mr. BrowneNo, Sir. As the hon. Gentleman knows, big changes have been taking place in the Scottish Ambulance Service, and all for the better. This is one little "trip-up" that we have had.