asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are the costs of buying, maintaining and staffing an ambulance in Northern Ireland. [HL565]

The cost of purchasing and equipping one front-line accident and emergency vehicle is £110,000. This includes the base vehicle, ambulance conversion and equipment such as a stretcher and defibrillator.

It costs £430,000 per annum to operate such a vehicle 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This includes twelve staff to provide two person crews and associated non pay costs such as maintenance, insurance, fuel and consumables. This does not include costs for support facilities such as control, admin, uniform and other essential emergency equipment.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, since 1970, they have had any contractual arrangements with the voluntary ambulance services in Northern Ireland. [HL566]

There are, and have been, no contractual arrangements with the voluntary ambulance services in Northern Ireland.