§ 21. Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last met the general manager of the Scottish ambulance service to discuss its future.
§ Mr. StewartMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has had no recent discussions with the general202W manager regarding the future of the Scottish Ambulance Service. The chief executive of the management executive of the NHS in Scotland visited the headquarters of the Scottish Ambulance Service on 25 April and he met the general manager of the Scottish Ambulance Service on Friday 13 May. The future of the Scottish Ambulance Service was discussed on both occasions.
§ Mrs. FyfeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the minimum qualifications for a driver of an accident and emergency ambulance; and whether exceptions among such post holders have been drawn to his attention.
§ Mr. StewartAll recruits to the Scottish Ambulance Service must have a clean driving record with a minimum of two years' experience.
Since 1981 new accident and emergency staff have been required to complete a two-week roadcraft driving course. In those rural areas where contractors or ambulance auxiliaries are used as drivers an assessment is made of their driving standards by a qualified ambulance service driving instructor and training is given as appropriate.
The Scottish Ambulance Service management has a protocol that in exceptional circumstances non-emergency staff may drive an accident and emergency vehicle.
No other exceptions have been drawn to the attention of my noble and learned Friend.
§ 37. Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent representations he has received concerning the prospect of awarding trust status to the Scottish Ambulance Service; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StewartMy right hon. Friend is aware of an early-day motion on 5 May about trust status for the Scottish Ambulance Service but has not received any other representations. The trust application is out for public consultation and all comments received will be carefully considered before a decision is made.