§ Mr. Dempseyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will direct the Supplementary Benefits Commission to review and clarify the provisions whereby travelling expenses to hospitals are payable to persons eligible to receive supplementary benefit; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. DeanPeople eligible for supplementary benefit and their dependants who attend National Health Service hospitals as patients are always entitled to help with the cost of fares. Where they attend as visitors such costs are considered by the commission in calculating the amount of benefit payable. If the hon. Member has a particular case of difficulty in mind the commission will gladly look into it, but we do not think that any general review of the provisions is necessary.