§ 43. Mr. Anthony Hurdasked the Minister of Pensions if he has considered representations from the Invalid Tricycle Association asking that the disabled, for whom motor tricycles have been provided, should be given some assistance in meeting the increased cost of petrol; and if he will make a statement on the cost involved.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Pensions (Brigadier J. G. Smyth)My hon. Friend has received no such representations. On the basis of an average annual mileage of about 4,500, the cost per annum of meeting in full the increase in the price of petrol would be about £16,000.
§ Mr. HurdAs the Minister has had no representation direct, will he take into account representations received by individual Members of Parliament? This is a considerable charge, and will he ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer to deal as fairly with the tricycle men as he has dealt with those who have motor cars?
§ Brigadier SmythThe additional cost per mile resulting from the increase in the petrol tax is very low for these tricycles—one-ninth of a penny and one-sixth of a penny. But the question of an allowance to meet the extra cost is one of the matters which my hon. Friend is discussing with the other Ministers concerned.
§ Dr. Horace KingIs the Minister aware that there is on both sides of the House considerable support for the claims of these men, because the tricycles are practically their means of livelihood, and will he give very sympathetic consideration to them?
§ Brigadier SmythThat is very well realised and, as I have already said, discussions are at present taking place.