§ Mr. Robin CookTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has given any directive to the Common Services Agency in respect of competitive tendering for non-emergency ambulance services in Scotland; and what is his policy as to whether such services should be put out to private tender.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythI refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave to the hon. Member for Glasgow, Hillhead (Mr. Galbraith) on 20 July 1988 at column509.
§ Mr. MacdonaldTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what change there has been in the demands upon the ambulance service in the Highlands and Islands following the recent changes in the Highland and Islands hospital patients travel scheme.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe demand for ambulance transport in the Highland and Western Isles area has shown a decline since the changes to the patients' travel expenses scheme, which came into effect on 11 April 1988.