To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with (a) strategic health authorities, (b) acute hospital trusts and (c) foundation hospital trusts on the potential effects on (i) income and (ii) service provision of ending the system of car park charges at NHS facilities; and if he will make a statement. (314096)

On 29 December 2009, a consultation exercise was launched by the Department on car parking for patients and their families at national health service hospitals. The consultation allows everybody, including strategic health authorities, acute hospitals and foundation trusts, to give their opinion of the potential effects of changing the system of car park charges at NHS facilities.

The NHS Car Parking: Consultation on Improving Access for Patients is available on the Department's website at:

www.dh.gov.uk/en/consultations/liveconsultations/dh_110557

A copy has been placed in the Library.