§ Mr. Ripponasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will take steps to relieve the hardship caused to patients in the widespread rural constituency of Hexham who are on or near supplementary benefit level but cannot receive travelling expenses to health services, outdoor clinics, health centres and hospitals; and what reply she has sent to the representations made by the Northumberland Community Health Council on this subject.
§ Dr. OwenI have advised the Northumberland Community Health Council that help with travelling expenses can only be considered for those hospital patients who would suffer financial hardship as assessed by supplementary benefit standards. Although I have no plans to extend the scope of this scheme, some patients who at present are excluded may qualify for help when the rates of supplementary benefits are increased on 17th November.