§ Sir Peter EmeryTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will consider establishing a set level of mileage payments to drivers working in the hospital car service so that all drivers wherever they may be working will receive the same mileage allowances; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. CurrieUnder existing arrangements health authorities are free to reimburse drivers in the hospital car service at rates notified annually by the Department, which are based upon those agreed by the General Whitley council for NHS staff. Alternatively, they may determine their own rates to take account of local needs. Given that these can and do vary considerably, it would not be practicable to restrict authorities to a particular fixed rate.