§ Mrs. FyfeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what are his future plans for the Scottish ambulance service; and what scope his policy includes for(a) market testing or (b) privatisation.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 9 May 1994]: The Scottish ambulance service has prepared an application for NHS trust status which will be considered following the process of public consultation.
From 1 April 1995, subject to existing contractual arrangements with the Scottish ambulance service, health boards and NHS trusts may invite other suppliers to tender for the provision of non-emergency patient transport services. There are no plans to seek provision of accident and emergency services from suppliers other than the Scottish ambulance service.