§ Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what forms of public assistance are available to next-of-kin who incur exceptionally heavy travelling expenses in regular visits to seriously ill patients in hospital.
§ Sir George YoungIn certain circumstances, visitors to close relatives in hospital can be helped with their travelling expenses under the supplementary benefit scheme. Such help is normally limited to those in households already in receipt of supplementary benefit, but can exceptionally be extended to others if they would otherwise suffer financial hardship.
Local authorities also have some powers under the Child Care Act 1980 to help parents visiting children in hospital.