§ 42. Sir Ian Fraserasked the Minister of Pensions if he will give details of his plan to provide free motor cars for certain disabled ex-Service men and women.
§ The Minister of Pensions (Mr. Marquand)As I stated in the House on 27th July last, plans have been made to supply 1,500 small motor cars to certain classes of seriously disabled war pensioners. Contracts for the cars have been placed with the Ford and Morris Companies, and certain adaptations of standard models have been arranged to meet the special needs of disabled persons. Twenty-three cars have so far been delivered and from now onwards the rate of supply should increase. I am pleased to say that I have been able to allocate 50 cars to blind pensioners. As the Hon. Member knows, the first of these is to be delivered to-morrow.
Mr. VaneMay I ask what arrangements the right hon. Gentleman has made for replacing these cars? They do not last for ever.
§ Mr. MarquandThat is a question which might appropriately be put when one of the cars is worn out.
§ Sir I. FraserMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman to accept the thanks of these disabled men?
§ Mr. ChetwyndCould the Minister say what rate of delivery he expects for these cars in the next few months?
§ Mr. MarquandThe rate of delivery has been a little disappointing up to date, due to the need of adapting each car to the special needs of disabled persons, but I have been promised that from the beginning of March we shall get 60 to 65 cars a month from the Ford Motor Company and 20 per month from the Morris Company.
§ Mr. MarloweIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this scheme is not open to applicants of 70 years or more, on account of insurance arrangements which his Department has made, and will he make these cars available to such applicants if they are able to arrange their own insurance?
§ Mr. MarquandThat is another question.