§ Mr. Quibellasked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that the Ministry of Health have provided an additional block of 18 beds at the Brumby isolation Hospital, Scunthorpe, for the treatment of infectious diseases among evacuees, and that the Lindsey County Council, after efforts extending over six months, are still unable to acquire an ambulance of the type considered neces- 246W sary for conveying seriously ill patients to isolation hospitals; whether such ambulances are available for this service; and what is the proper procedure by which the county council may acquire one?
§ Sir A. DuncanI understand that Lindsey County Council have been in touch for some time with the Ministry of War Transport who offered them a standard service vehicle which in general is the only type available. The Lindsey County Council did not consider that this type would suit their particular purpose and the Ministry of Supply are now arranging to supply an adapted vehicle. The procedure is for a local authority to apply to the regional Transport Commissioners for a licence to acquire. When this is issued the applicant places his order through trade channels and the Ministry of Supply ensures that the necessary materials and productive capacity are made available.