AN Okehampton resident has brought to my attention a report in your paper a little time ago that the Okehampton branch of the St John Ambulance is raising funds to buy a new ambulance because the existing one ?did not comply with new regulations issued by the EU?.
While I wish the group well in their appeal for funds, it is important to get the record straight. There is in fact no EU legislation forcing St John Ambulance or the NHS to replace their emergency vehicles.
Gisela Stuart, a government minister, confirmed this three years ago when she said in a parliamentary reply that the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) had, after consultation with manufacturers and users, decided on two new European standards for ambulances and their equipment.
She then said quite explicitly: ?The British Standards Institute adopted the CEN recommendations as national standards in January 2000 but these will only apply to new ambulance vehicles and their equipment purchased after that date.?
As far as I know that is still the case. Of course it is possible for ministers to get things wrong or change their minds, or for our regulators to regulate more heavily locally than even Whitehall wants . . .
Caroline Jackson MEP for the South West
Chairman
European Parliament Environment and Health Committee