§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what steps she has taken in the last 12 months to monitor the activities of companies providing private ambulance services; and if she will make a statement;
(2) what measures she has undertaken to monitor the suitability and qualifications of staff working for private ambulance companies; and if she will make a statement;
(3) what guidelines exist governing the operation of private medical services which offer an emergency response service; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvillePrivate ambulance services and their staff are not subject to any specific statute or regulation. It is for the prospective purchasers of private ambulance 321W services to satisfy themselves that operators are competent to provide the required service. Private ambulance services do not respond to emergency 999 calls.
§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions she or her officials have had with Belmont International Air and Road Ambulance in the last 12 months; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleNone.