To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of the (a) travel and (b) accommodation costs of families visiting service personnel in hospital have been met by his Department in the last two years. (283202)

Travel and accommodation at public expense for families visiting service personnel in hospital is covered by the Dangerously Ill Forwarding of Relatives (DILFOR) scheme. This scheme provides for two people to receive the full cost of accommodation and travel, including overseas travel, at public expense. This is usually provided to the individual's emergency contact or next of kin plus one other.