HC Deb 24 October 1950 vol 478 cc2683-4
22. Mr. Black

asked the Minister of Pensions what is the number of persons waiting for motor-propelled tricycles; the average period of waiting; and how soon he estimates it will be possible to meet the demand.

The Minister of Pensions (Mr. Marquand)

The number of persons waiting to be supplied with motor-propelled tricycles is 2,474. The average time of waiting is eight to 10 months, but special action is taken to meet urgent needs. The present output exceeds the current demand and I anticipate that the further steps I have taken to increase production will enable the outstanding balance to be substantially reduced within the next few months.

Mr. Chetwynd

Would the Minister say how many have been supplied, and, of those, how many of the excellent all-weather type of propelled vehices?

Mr. Marquand

Yes, Sir. The total number of motor tricycles now in use is approximately 3,500. Some 2,000-odd of these are for Health Service patients and the remainder for war pensioners. The number of the new all-weather tricycles supplied to date is 742.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Does the figure given by the Minister in reply to the first part of the Question include both Service patients and National Health patients?

Mr. Marquand

Yes, Sir. Of those who are waiting, 304 are war pensioners and some 2,000-odd are National Health Service patients.