§ Mr. Grimondasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is now in a position to make a statement on his discussions with the First Lord of the Admiralty about the use of Naval helicopters for emergency medical cases in Scotland.
§ Mr. J. StuartWhile the Navy cannot be responsible for providing a comprehensive ambulance service by helicopter, my right hon. Friend has agreed that the202W Naval helicopters based at Lossiemouth may, in exceptional circumstances, subject to Naval requirements and to weather conditions, be used to carry to hospital seriously ill patients for whom no other kind of quick transport is practicable. Requests for assistance will be made to the Commanding Officer, R.N. Air Station, Lossiemouth, through the senior administrative medical officers of regional hospital boards. General practitioners in the areas likely to be concerned are being advised accordingly.