HC Deb 15 December 1970 vol 808 c288W
76. Dr. John Cunningham

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what were the total amounts paid in social security benefits to patients and their relatives who had to travel from West Cumberland to hospitals in Carlisle during 1968 and 1969.

Mr. Alison

Payments for travel expenses made by East Cumberland Hospital Management Committee, upon authorisation by the Supplementary Benefits Commission, to patients from West Cumberland totalled £27 in 1968 and £37 in 1969. Payments made direct by the Commission cannot readily be ascertained.

77. Dr. John Cunningham

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many patients from West Cumberland were treated at hospitals in Carlisle during 1968 and 1969, including both in-patients and out-patients, but excluding the mentally ill; and why treatment was not available in West Cumberland.

Mr. Alison

About 750 in-patients and 825 out-patients in 1968, and 715 in-patients and 1,140 out-patients in 1969. A full service is provided in West Cumberland except in a few specialties which are provided on an area basis.