§ Mr. Shersbyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what general direction or advice he has given to hospitals with regard to the payment of travelling expenses incurred by patients on social security benefit attending as outpatients; what is the rate for reimbursement for those using public transport; what is the rate for the use of a private motor car when used because of disability; and what statutory right of appeal exists in those cases where travelling expenses are either refused or are paid at a rate lower than that claimed.
§ Mr. OrmeHealth authorities have been advised that patients in receipt of supplementary benefit or family income supplement are entitled to payment of their travelling expenses to and from hospital. The basis for payment will be the 913W cost of travelling by the cheapest form of public transport unless this entails an unreasonably longer journey or waiting. I should therefore expect patients using private vehicles to be paid as if the journey had been made by public transport. The regulations do not provide a statutory right of appeal but I am willing to look into any case where the amount claimed is in dispute.