§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what assistance is available for people wishing to visit relatives, other than children, in residential care; if he will extend the supplementary benefits scheme to provide both single payments and additional payments in these circumstances; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NewtonFor people receiving supplementary benefit, the scale rates are intended to cover normal travel costs. No special provision is made for travelling expenses for journeys to visit relatives in residential care though, exceptionally, help may be available under the urgent cases regulations for a visit to a relative who is critically ill. We have no plans to introduce any further special provisions.