§ 103. Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland from which of the Scottish islands the air ambulance service has been withdrawn; for what reasons; and if he will make a statement about future plans for this service.
§ Mr. MaclayThe air ambulance service has been withdrawn from Colonsay, Coll, Sanday, Stronsay, Westray and North Ronaldsay because the condition of the emergency landing strips on these islands does not permit operating to acceptable standards of safety. The future of this service is126W being considered as a matter of urgency: and I am in close consultation about it with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation and with British European Airways.
§ 104. Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will now extend to the islands of the Outer Hebrides, without air fields, the use of helicopters for emergency air ambulance service.
§ Mr. MaclayThe present arrangements, whereby a Services helicopter may be called upon in cases of extreme emergency, cover all islands in Scotland without regular airfields, including those of the Outer Hebrides.