§ Mr. EvennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list in theOfficial Report those ambulance services in England which have helicopter ambulance facilities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanWe do not collect this information centrally. However, we are aware that several health authorities now have dedicated helicopter ambulances. In the London area an emergency helicopter service has been operating for some months and in Cornwall the first air ambulance service has been operating for over two years. South East Thames has announced that it is shortly to commence a limited helicopter trial. In addition, other authorities have been co-operating with police forces in helicopter projects.
All health authorities can make use of RAF helicopter transport in emergency rescue missions which are free and in secondary transfers for which a charge is made. Fixed wing transport is also sometimes used where appropriate, again at commercial rates.