§ Mr Colvinasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what factors he bore in mind in reaching his determination with regard to the mileage and block allowances on health visitors when used wholly and necessarily in execution of their duties.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergCar allowances for health visitors and other National Health Service staff are negotiated between staff and management representatives within the General Whitley Council and approved by my right hon. Friend after considering the result of those negotiations.
A comprehensive independent survey of arrangements was jointly sponsored by both sides of the council in 1979 and this led to substantial improvements. The allowances are reviewed regularly on the basis of information provided by the Automobile Association and the Institute of Petroleum and changes in the allowances thus reflect fluctuations in motoring costs.
§ Mr. Colvinasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when the mileage and block allowances for health visitors' cars were last reviewed; and if he will publish details of the current schemes.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergThe General Whitley Council adjusts National Health Service mileage allowances whenever petrol prices, as notified by the Institute of Petroleum, fluctuate by 5p per gallon either way. On this basis the allowances were last revised on 1 February 1982 and the current rates are shown as follows. The council plans to undertake the main annual review of car allowances and associated arrangements later this month, using the Automobile Association's schedule of motoring costs as a basis for calculating the allowances.
Regular user allowances with effect from 1 February 1982 Engine capacity Lump sum £ Up to 9,000 miles per annum pence Thereafter pence 501 to 1,000 c.c. 277 14.1 8.0 1,001 to 1,500 c.c. 317 15.7 8.7 1,501 to 2,000 c.c. 408 19.3 10.2 Over 2,000 c.c. 408 21.4 12.4