Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to make additional resources available to the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service Trust over the next three years; and if he will make a statement. [94342]
§ Mr. George HowarthAn additional £15 million has been invested in the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service over the three year period 1999–2002. The first instalment of that investment was announced on 28 June 1999 when £3 million was provided for immediate investment in the provision of accident and emergency ambulances, replacement of equipment, and training and development of ambulance crews. The balance of the £15 million will be deployed in accordance with the outcome of the Comprehensive Review of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service which is due to report by the end of November.