§ Sir John Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action has been taken on the Rayner report on the use of non-ambulance transport in the National Health Service; and what savings are expected thereby.
§ Mr. John PattenWe have issued the report to health authorities, asking them to send us their proposals for action by the end of September. If the report's findings prove representative of the Health Service as a whole, transport costs could be reduced by about £15 million a year. In addition, if arrangements can be made for car loans to staff to be provided by commercial sources there will be a once and for all saving of about £20 million.