§ Mr. Spellerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the costs incurred by patients discharged from hospital who have to make their own way home over distances which, in North Devon for example, may be over 50 miles from hospitals in Exeter.
§ Sir George YoungHealth authorities already have powers to assist with travelling costs incurred by patients discharged from NHS hospitals who would otherwise suffer financial hardship as assessed by the Supplementary Benefits Commission. This applies whether or not a patient is in receipt of supplementary benefit. Applications for assistance with travelling costs after discharge 49W from hospital should be made through the