HC Deb 26 July 1949 vol 467 cc2217-9
1. Lord Willoughby de Eresby

asked the Minister of Pensions the cost of the four-seater motor car now supplied free to the badly disabled war pensioner and the cost of the new weather-protected single-seater motor tricycle, which is soon to be supplied to the less badly disabled war pensioner; and whether he will consider, at some future date, the issue of a small two-seater car to those disabled war pensioners who have lost both legs but fail to qualify for the issue of a four-seater car.

The Minister of Pensions (Mr. Marquand)

It is contrary to established practice to disclose prices under Government contracts. The annual cost to public funds will be £40 greater for a car than for a tricycle. Experience of both types of vehicle will be carefully studied and any possible modification of the scheme, including that suggested by the noble Lord, will be considered.

Lord Willoughby de Eresby

While I appreciate what the Minister has done and is doing in this respect, may I ask him whether, in his turn, he appreciates the fact that it is possible for a man to lose both legs but, simply because he has not lost them high enough up, to be compelled to have a tricycle and to ride by himself for the rest of his life? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is produced in this country today a two-seater car called the Minicar which would suit his purpose very well?

Mr. Marquand

I am fully conscious of what the noble Lord said in the first part of his question. As I think he knows, I have studied very carefully with all the organisations which represent such men to see how best we can meet their needs. I want to say that what has been done so far is not necessarily final. We shall watch very carefully to see any further improvements we can make. I cannot make any comment on the particular type of vehicle.

Sir Ralph Glyn

May I ask the Minister, in the case of men who are in possession of mechanical vehicles of various kinds which are now wearing out, whether he will have a survey made so that these men can be re-equipped, because they cannot get the spare parts?

Mr. Marquand

Yes, that is one of the main purposes of producing this new vehicle. All who at present have the open vehicle will get a new one, as and when the present vehicle falls for renewal.

Mr. Scollan

Would it not be wise to put it to the Cabinet that it would be a far greater thing for the country to see all the men who are maimed in this fashion riding in a car rather than the able-bodied spivs we see riding in them in this country?

Mr. Driberg

With reference to the second part of the Question on the Order Paper, would my right hon. Friend agree that it is extremely difficult in many cases to make a valid distinction between the two degrees of amputation? Is he satisfied that his advisers and experts have a real basis for such a distinction?

Mr. Marquand

Of course it is difficult, and that is why we made the mistakes which were referred to previously. At the same time, my hon. Friend must remember that providing 1,500 cars in two years is the utmost that the supply provision will permit us to do.