§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, in the announcement of 24 February concerning investment for the Northern Ireland Health Service, the £29 million provided for the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service is new money which has not been announced before; over what period it will be available and for the development of what part of the ambulance service. [HL1936]
§ Lord Williams of MostynThe sum of £29 million from the strategic investment programme announced on 24 February will enable the Government to make good and enhance the balance of the £16.2 million investment pledged in July 2002, some £4 million of which has already been committed in 2002–03 and 2003–04. This substantial funding includes £3.0 million for the reconfiguration of ambulance control and communications systems and some £26 million to take forward the modernisation and improvement of the ambulance service set out in the implementation plan for the 2000 Strategic Review. Detailed annual expenditure will be profiled once decisions have been reached on the best approach to financing.