§ Dr. FoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on sponsorship arrangements for air ambulances. [84027]
§ Mr. LammyIn England, there are 12 air ambulance services provided by 12 independent air ambulance charities. Fund raising for air ambulances is organised by independent local charities. In most cases the national health services also supports the services by providing fully trained paramedics to crew the aircraft when they respond to emergencies. In addition, in 2001–02 the Government allocated £1.3 million to Five of the 12 charities. Consideration is being given to further Government funding in 2002–03.