asked the Minister of Health what travel concessions are provided for relatives of patients in the special hospitals to visit them, and with what frequency; what is the annual cost to public funds; and if he will consider extending these concessions.

Under arrangements with the British Transport Commission, relatives can get return tickets for one and a half times the single fare whenever they are visiting a patient. No cost to Exchequer funds is involved. In addition the National Assistance Board can meet the travelling expenses of near relatives who are receiving a regular assistance grant; information as to the cost is not available. No extension of these arrangements is under consideration.