§ Mr. GalbraithTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) whether all Health Service staff required to be on emergency call are registered for British Telecom's priority fault repair system; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will take steps to ensure that after April health boards will continue to pay the cost for employees on British Telecom's priority fault repair system; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythBritish Telecom is in the process of changing the arrangements for the operation and funding of emergency repairs to telephones at NHS premises and at the homes of key personnel. The Scottish Home and Health Department is consulting interested parties, including health boards and professional associations, about the arrangements to be made. The Department aims to identify arrangements which represent good value for public money, do not conflict with the terms of service of the key personnel concerned and, above all, are effective.