86. Mr. Clifford Williamsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is aware that, following the centralisation of hospital services, patients in Wales needing out-patient hospital treatment have to travel longer distances twice or three times a week in some cases for long periods; and, in view of the effects of the increased cost of travel on low 226W wage earners, if he will take steps to introduce free travel concessions for such patients after the first three visits to hospital.
Mr. GrossmanArrangements already exist to provide financial help to meet the travel expenses of hospital patients when the need for such help is established. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of a memorandum which describes these arrangements in detail.