§ 13. Mr. Douglas Marshallasked the Minister of Transport if he is aware that ex-Servicemen with 100 per cent. dis- 587 ability pension can no longer obtain a reconditioned ex-Service motor car however deserving the case may be; and if he will reconsider his decision with regard to this matter which is causing hardship and concern.
§ Mr. BarnesThe supply of surplus ex-Service cars suitable for economical reconditioning is steadily declining and there is still a long waiting list of disabled ex-Servicemen whose applications were accepted before the list was closed in November, 1946. It is not certain that cars will become available for all of these applicants and I cannot therefore agree to accept further applications and raise hopes which have little prospect of being realised.
§ Mr. MarshallThe Minister has used the words, "I am not certain." Will he consider this matter all over again in the case of those men with 100 per cent. disability who wish to earn their living by utilising reconditioned cars?
§ Mr. BarnesI can assure my hon. Friend that I have given long, continuous and serious consideration to this problem with every desire to meet the need. The cars are not there and I do not think it is desirable to keep the people waiting in hope when I feel that there is no substantial prospect of meeting their wishes