HC Deb 02 May 2000 vol 349 c50W
Dr. Tonge

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what recent discussions he has had with health trusts and local authorities concerning parking arrangements for community nurses; [119734]

(2) what recent discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer regarding tax levels on lease cars used by community nurses; [119732]

(3) what discussions he has had with health trusts regarding mileage rates for community nurses; [119733]

(4) what plans he has to improve the lease car arrangements for NHS community nursing staff. [119731]

Ms Stuart

Mileage and travelling entitlements for National Health Service staff on national contracts are determined by an agreement of the General Whitley Council. A working group of the Council which includes representatives from trades unions and employers is reviewing existing provisions with the aim of recommending new arrangements which are fair to staff, meet service needs and reflect our wider environmental policies. The Inland Revenue have been consulted as part of this review.

As part of the consultation process for Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions' "Planning Policy Guidance 13", a number of NHS acute and community trusts were contacted to ascertain the likely implications of the proposed maximum car parking standards being applied to NHS hospitals.