HC Deb 22 February 1990 vol 167 cc874-5W
Mr. Robert Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what costs have fallen to regional authorities in Scotland as a result of provision of services which otherwise would have been provided by the ambulance service during the current ambulance dispute.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

Police costs will be reimbursed by the Common Services Agency. Regional authorities have not been asked to provide any other services.

Mr. Robert Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his estimate of the cost of a settlement for ambulance personnel in Scotland of(a) 6.5 per cent. from April 1989 to 1990, backdated to April 1989 with an additional 3 per cent. from April 1990 with an offer of further negotiations in October 1990 and (b) 9 per cent. from April 1989, backdated to April 1989 with an offer of further negotiations in October 1990.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

Based on the 1988–89 pay bill of £21.6 million for ambulance men and women in Scotland, the cost of a settlement would be £2.45 million in case(a) and £2.91 million in case (b).