§ Mr. MartlewTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when he plans to increase the Whitley Council mileage allowance for NHS staff using their own transport. [128282]
§ Mr. DenhamMileage and travelling entitlements for National Health Service staff on national contracts are determined by an agreement of the General Whitley Council. A working group of the Council which includes representatives from trade unions and employers is reviewing existing provisions with the aim of 51W recommending new arrangements which are fair to staff, meet service needs and reflect our wider environmental policies. We are aiming to complete these negotiations shortly.