HC Deb 07 July 1947 vol 439 cc1798-9
77. Mr. Anthony Greenwood

asked the Minister of Transport what steps he is taking to reduce the average period of more than a year which elapses between applications by disabled ex-Service men for reconditioned motor cars and delivery.

Mr. Barnes

The waiting period depends upon the rate of supply of surplus Government cars suitable for reconditioning and the number of disabled ex-Service men on the waiting list. Every effort is made by my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Supply, to select suitable vehicles as soon as they are thrown up by Government Departments as surplus and my Department allocates the cars immediately they become available.

Mr. Greenwood

As the possession of a car is most essential to a great many of these disabled ex-Service men, has my right hon. Friend satisfied himself that the Service Departments are disposing of these cars as quickly as they should?

Mr. Barnes

I can assure my hon. Friend that I have been very persistent in the examination of this problem, and I regret there have not been more cars available.

78. Mr. Anthony Greenwood

asked the Minister of Transport how many reconditioned ex-Service motor cars have been allocated to disabled ex-Service men since the scheme began; and what was the average price charged.

Mr. Barnes

Since August, 1945, when applications were first invited from disabled ex-Service men, about 2,800 reconditioned ex-Government cars have been allocated to such men. The prices of these cars to the users vary according to the make, model and age and are governed by agreements between the Ministry of Supply and the manufacturers. It is not possible to state the average price paid by disabled ex-Service men.