Hospital Travel Costs Scheme

HC Deb 26 April 1990 vol 171 cc295-6W

Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the total cost in each of the last 10 years of the NHS hospital travel costs scheme.

Mr. Freeman

[holding answer 9 March 1990]: The total annual cost figures available for the National Health Service hospital travel costs scheme in England are as follows.

The scheme has varied in scope over the years (the present arrangements date from April 1988) and prior to 1985–86 was accounted for centrally. The figures for more recent years are derived from the annual accounts and associated returns of health authorities.

We are currently considering measures to increase public awareness of the hospital travel costs scheme.

	£000 (cash)
1980–81	247
1981–82	364
1982–83	677

	£000 (cash)
1983–84	703
1984–85	1,219
1985–86	2,822
1986–87	3,037
1987–88	3,263
1988–89	3,265

Note:

The figures do not encompass administration costs. Those for the years prior to 1985–86 include elements which are not separately identifiable for patients attending artificial limb and appliance centres (ALACs).