§ Mr. Charles KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland by what date he expects all contracted-status ambulances to be phased out within the Highlands; and how much money has been made available for such purposes since such a policy was instituted.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 19 February 1993]: It is the policy of the Scottish ambulance service to phase out the use of ambulance contractors where demand justifies such a change and where it would be economical to do so. No specific date has been set, but the position is kept under review.