§ Lord Craig of Radleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, in view of the reported delay in finding urgently needed special care facilities anywhere in the National Health Service for one of four injured airmen following their ejection from Tornado aircraft near Sleaford on 10 January 1996, better arrangements are now required to replace those which followed the reductions made by the Defence Costs study of 1994 and earlier cuts in Service medical support.
Earl HoweOur plans for the Defence Medical Services ensure that the standards of medical care for the Armed Forces continue to equal the best provided under the National Health Service. The casualties in this incident received appropriate and prompt NHS treatment. After his condition had been stabilised at the Lincoln County Hospital, the most seriously injured airman was transferred by helicopter to the Queen's Medical Centre at Nottingham, where he continues to receive excellent care. The Armed Forces have always relied on the NHS to provide the specialist treatment required in such cases, and will continuo to do so.