§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what requests he has received from the British Association of Immediate Care Schemes; and what replies he has sent.
§ Mr. MoyleFollowing a meeting between my officials and the British Association of Immediate Care Schemes an application for a grant towards the organisation's administrative costs was received720W on 10th February 1978. The Department replied on 21st February recording our general policy in relation to grants of this nature and asking whether it would be possible for certain further items of information to be supplied so that an early decision could be taken. We now await the response.
§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many immediate care schemes are in operation in the United Kingdom; how many doctors work on them; and how much money he contributes to them.
§ Mr. MoyleInformation supplied to my Department by the British Association of Immediate Care Schemes shows that early in 1977 there were 73 immediate care schemes operating in the United Kingdom with more than 1,200 doctors participating. At present no grant is made by my Department towards the cost of providing immediate care but discussions are in hand. Some health authorities help with supplies of drugs and dressings etc.
§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the number of lives saved by the work of the British Association of Immediate Care Schemes.
§ Mr. MoyleI have received no conclusive evidence that lives are saved by the attendance of doctors participating in immediate care schemes at the scene of serious accidents. However, I have no doubt that accident victims receive comfort and reassurance from the presence of these doctors, and I will continue to take an interest in these schemes, seeking the advice of the Standing Medical Advisory Committee when desirable.