§ Mr. Robert Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the withdrawal of travel concessions to the staff of Kingseat hospital in the Grampian area; what savings he expects as a result; and if he has taken into account the effect this may have on staff recruitment.
§ Mr. Harry EwingGuidance on this was issued by my Department in September 1977. Health boards were asked to review their existing schemes for assisted travel for NHS staff because of the increasing amounts of subsidy involved, and to ensure that those enjoying this benefit should pay a minimum of 25p per day. It was subsequently conceded that staff who enjoyed free travel as an implied condition of service could continue to receive this, but that the new procedures would apply to all new staff. This is the arrangement which is being applied at Kingseat hospital, and the staff there are thus being treated in the same way as all other NHS staff. It is not possible to quantify the savings likely to be made. I do not think that a charge as small as the minimum suggested is likely to be a hindrance to recruitment.