HC Deb 17 December 1953 vol 522 cc567-8
25. Captain Ryder

asked the Minister of Health if he will prescribe separate regulations and conditions of issue of motor-propelled tricycles for limbless and other badly wounded ex-Service men, distinct from those for National Health Service patients, so as to ensure that any necessary restrictions and economies in connection with this scheme for National Health Service patients do not have adverse repercussions on the much smaller numbers of war-disabled pensioners affected.

Mr. Iain Macleod

My hon. and gallant Friend appears to be under some misapprehension. This matter is not governed by regulations and I am not aware of any restrictions or economies which have had or are likely to have the effect he foresees.

Captain Ryder

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that this is not my own apprehension, but the apprehension of the very severely disabled ex-Service men who feel that their claim may well be overlooked and swamped by the very much larger claims of the civilian population?

Mr. Macleod

I understand the point which my hon. and gallant Friend is putting to me, but he will be aware that, with the exception of cars, there is no differentiation between war pensioners and those who suffer such disabilities in the ordinary way of life.