§ 1 and 2. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Pensions (1) the numbers of cars and mechanically-propelled and hand-propelled tricycles supplied by his Department to disabled pensioners; and the cost of them for each of the years 1945–50, showing the comparisons, where possible, with the years 1918–23;
(2) the number of sheds, garages and similar shelters, issued by his Department to those pensioners in possession of a tricycle or car; and the cost of these for each of the years 1945–50, showing the comparisons, where possible, with the years 1918–23.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Pensions (Mr. Simmons)Motor tricycles for severely disabled war pensioners were issued by the State for the first time in 1945, and the motor car service was introduced in November, 1948. Since 1948 some 1,660 pensioners have been provided with motor cars at a cost of about £500,000. In the same period about 1,500 motor tricycles and 600 storage sheds were supplied, costing about £250,000 and £15,000 respectively; figures for the period 1945–47 are not readily available.
I will write to the hon. Member giving him the other details he requires so far as they can be ascertained.
§ Mr. LewisI thank the Minister for that answer, but can he say whether his Department makes any cash allowance for the cost of running these vehicles and, if so, what the cash payment is and how much has been paid during the period mentioned?
§ Mr. SimmonsThere is an allowance of £50 per annum for the maintenance and running of each of the cars supplied. I have not the over-all figures, but that is a matter of arithmetic.