§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what requirements in respect of experience, competence, or probity he lays down or recommends to the regional or district health authorities in respect of proprietors or managers of private ambulance companies whose vehicles are hired to them at public expense;
(2) what requirements in respect of qualifications, experience or health he lays down or recommends to regional or district health authorities in respect of personnel employed by private ambulance companies whose services they use at public expense;
(3) what requirements, standards or specifications he lays down or recommends to regional or district health 627W authorities in respect of the minimum standards of private ambulances hired or contracted to them and paid out of public funds.
§ Mr. FreemanHealth authorities are responsible for the day-to-day management of National Health Service ambulance services. It is for these authorities to arrange the most appropriate, efficient and cost effective means of transport for each of the patients the ambulance service is asked to convey. This may involve the use of private services. Requirements in respect of qualifications and experience are not set centrally: health authorities are responsible for negotiating contracts locally and for setting standards of service, patient care, and safety.