§ Mr. WallaceTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has regarding the current mileage rate paid to patients travelling by car by each health board in Scotland.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 26 October 1992]: The existing guidance explains that, in general, travel expenses should be restricted to the cost of travelling by the cheapest 719W form of public transport available. In certain circumstances, health boards may reimburse patients travelling by private car on the basis of the lesser of the estimated cost of petrol actually used or the equivalent public transport cost. Information is not collected on mileage rates but a survey undertaken in 1991 showed that some Boards had not been adhering to the guidance given but had been using a standard mileage rate varying from 5p to 8p per mile. Boards were reminded again in June 1992 of the guidance on the calculation of costs.