§ 125. Mr. John Brewisasked the Secretary of State for Scotland why refunds of expenses of patients from outlying districts attending hospitals and clinics are confined to patients living in the crofting counties; and whether he will now authorise such refunds to be made whenever such attendance is over a stipulated mileage anywhere in Scotland.
§ Mr. RossThe new scheme which was introduced on 1st November, 1964, has been limited to the seven crafting106W counties, where the need is greatest. To extend it would add materially to the total cost and could be achieved only by allotting money which is urgently needed for other priority services. Persons suffering hardship anywhere in Scotland may be reimbursed if they qualify in terms of National Assistance Board standards.