§ Mr. Gryllsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the car allowance for district nurses and midwives and health visitors in the current year; how this compares in real terms, with each of the years 1973–74. 1974–75 and
With effect from 1st January 1973* … 501–999 cc car 1,000–1,199 cc car 1,200–1,699 cc car Annual lump sum … £84 £99 £105 First 7,200 miles per annum … 3.1 pence per mile 3.5 pence per mile 3.9 pence per mile After 7,200 miles per annum … 1.9 pence per mile 2.1 pence per mile 2.4 pence per mile With effect from 1st March 1974* … 451–999 cc car 1,000–1,199 cc car 1,200–1,699 cc car Annual lump sum … £108 £117 £129 First 7,200 miles per annum … 4.0 pence per mile 4.5 pence per mile 5.0 pence per mile After 7,200 miles per annum … 2.5 pence per mile 2.9 pence per mile 3.2 pence per mile With effect from 1st April 1975 … 501–1,000 cc car 1,001–1,500 cc car Over 1,500 cc car Annual lump sum … £123 £159 £177 First 5,500 miles per annum … 5.4 pence per mile 6.5 pence per mile 6.9 pence per mile After 5,500 miles per annum … 3.6 pence per mile 4.5 pence per mile 5.3 pence per mile With effect from 1st April 1976 … 501–1,000 cc car 1,001–1,500 cc cat Over 1,500 cc car Annual lump sum … £123 £159 £177 First 5,500 miles per annum … 6.6 pence per mile 7.7 pence per mile 8.7 pence per mile After 5,500 miles per annum … 4.2 pence per mile 5.0 pence per mile 6.2 pence per mile * These rates were guidance to local authorities only. When these officers transferred from local authorities in 1974 the rates were continued until a National Health Service agreement was reached with effect from 1st April 1975. A further revision is under negotiation in the General Whitley Council and is expected to be effective retrospectively to 1st April 1977.
The requested comparisons in real terms is difficult to make because of the different elements in the allowances. The effect of changes in allowances in the case of any individual depends on the annual mileage covered.
Since 1975 the negotiated scheme has been based on the AA Schedule of Motoring Costs published annually. This makes allowance for running costs, standing charges including depreciation—based on the average price of a new car and assuming a life of eight years—and interest on capital—the average value of a new car invested at 7 per cent. per annum. The allowance paid to staff, therefore, includes an element of the cost of replacement.