§ 15. Sir John Gilmourasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many ambulances equipped with four-wheel drive are available for use in Scotland; and if he is satisfied that this number is sufficient to afford adequate cover in wintry conditions.
§ Mr. Harry EwingWe have 54 four-wheel drive ambulances available and they afford adequate cover.
§ Sir J. GilmourDoes the hon. Gentleman agree that there were many occasions during the first two months of this year when many roads were passable only by four-wheel drive vehicles? Is he really satisfied that the number is adequate?
§ Mr. EwingWe are advised on this matter by the Scottish ambulance service, and it is true, as the hon. Gentleman said, that these vehicles are at their best in bad weather conditions and on long journeys over class B roads. The Scottish ambulance service is satisfied that the 54 vehicles available to it at the moment are adequate to meet its needs.
§ Mr. WattDoes the Minister realise that the best way to avoid long journeys on dangerous roads is to stop the closure of many of our local hospitals?
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. That is stretching the question.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherIs the Minister aware that it might not matter how many four-wheel drive ambulances there are in Scotland shortly if the threat by the National Union of Public Employees in Scotland, which we have heard about today, is carried out? That will virtually close all Scottish hospitals this week. Can he assure the House that—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. The same rule applies to the Front Bench as to the Back 445 Benches. The hon. Member is also stretching the question.