§ Mr. Rhodes Jamesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to introduce travel allowances for members of the Kidney Patients Association as a result of the increased cost of petrol and vehicle excise duty.
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§ Dr. VaughanNo. Assistance with travelling expenses to hospital is related to financial need rather than the specific condition of any patient. Health authorities are empowered to assist with travelling expenses of patients attending NHS hospitals who would otherwise suffer financial hardship as assessed by the local office of the Department in accordance with supplementary benefit standards. This applies whether or not a patient is in receipt of supplementary benefit.