§ Mr. Monroasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the alleged fault in the wheels of the Bedford CF25 ambulances; if it has been overcome; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Harry EwingBedford CF25 ambulances have been affected by wheel nut loosening which has resulted, in several instances, in wheels coming off.
The Common Services Agency, which is responsible for the Scottish ambulance 182W service, has had extensive checks made and considerable remedial work carried out, including the replacement of all wheels dated before 1977. A 12-point wheel maintenance check has been instituted and measures are being taken to ensure that this is rigorously observed. The assistance of the manufacturers of the vehicles and wheels, of the National Engineering Laboratory, East Kilbride, and of the Scottish Office motor transport staff was invoked in reaching a solution.
There is every reason to believe that, subject to observance of the maintenance programme specified, the remedial measures will prove satisfactory.