§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the criteria used in determining the recommended intervals between replacements of(a) National Health Service ambulances and (b) National Health Service cars.
§ Mrs. CurrieBecause of the rust-free body specification, high maintenance standards, practical experience and depreciation factors, the recommended interval between replacements for ambulances is after 140,000 miles or seven years.
For National Health Service vans replacement is recommended after 70,000 miles or five years, thus reflecting general fleet management practice for this type of vehicle, modified to meet the specialised circumstances of the National Health Service.
Decisions on replacement of individual vehicles are taken in the light of local usage and circumstances.